The Los Angeles Dodgers came away with a series win by taking the rubber match from the New York Yankees behind Justin Turner’s late heroics. But before Turner delivered with a go-ahead double in the ninth inning, Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers pitching staff did their part to keep the game scoreless.
Kershaw’s second start since coming off the disabled list served as another checkpoint. He went three innings in his first outing, and was looking to build his innings and pitch count. That didn’t come easily, with rainy weather twice forcing Wednesday’s game into a delay.
Despite still battling some rust and command issues, Kershaw was dominant throughout his afternoon of work. He retired the side in order in the first inning on just 11 pitches.
Kershaw completed three perfect innings on 30 pitches, which was a stark contrast from the 66 pitches he threw over three innings against the Miami Marlins.
Kershaw remained in the game after a 48-minute rain delay, and though he lost his perfect game and no-hitter, kept the Yankees off the board.
He finished with five strikeouts over five innings:
Spread the news, Kersh is back. ? pic.twitter.com/8XExfYZFNr
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 15, 2016
On top of throwing 64 pitches during game play, Kershaw threw an additional 16 pitches during the second rain delay as a means to keep warm and continue stretching himself out. He came away from the start generally pleased given the noted improvement.
On the season Kershaw is 11-3 with a 1.81 ERA, 1.70 FIP and 0.73 WHIP. His next start is slated for Sept. 19 against the rival San Francisco Giants.
