Clayton Kershaw went into Thursday’s start against the Texas Rangers on five days’ rest. The goal was for the Los Angeles Dodgers ace to stretch out to six innings or 90 pitches. Kershaw essentially hit both targets, doing so in dominant fashion at Surprise Stadium.
The Dodgers did their part to provide Kershaw with an early lead, as Chase Utley hit a two-run homer in the first inning. Kershaw made quick work of the Rangers in the bottom of the first, striking out the side. It was a sign of what lied ahead for the home team.
Kershaw ran his string of strikeouts to four straight before Mike Napoli flied out in the second inning. As the Dodgers continued to add to their lead, the Rangers remained flummoxed at the plate.
In addition to beginning the game by striking out five of the first seven batters faced, Kershaw concluded his outing by doing the same to six of the last seven hitters.
? Kersh was straight dealing today. ? pic.twitter.com/OTOhMZpgfL
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 24, 2017
The Dodgers went on to rout the Rangers, 10-2. Next for the three-time Cy Young Award winner is an abbreviated final tuneup before the regular season begins.
Kershaw will then take the mound for his seventh straight Opening Day start, which ties Don Drysdale and Don Sutton for most in franchise history.
