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By Jon Weisman
Clayton Kershaw had pitched 37 straight shutout innings, the last 25 of them against the Nationals, Mets and Angels — teams that are a combined 21 games above .500. Strength of schedule has not been an issue for Kershaw.
But Kershaw, by his own admission, wasn’t sharp in the Dodgers’ 5-4, 10-inning loss Friday to Pittsburgh. He allowed four runs (most since May 21) on 12 baserunners (most since May 10) in six innings (fewest since June 17) while striking out five (tying a season low).
“It was a tough one,” Kershaw said, according to Bill Plunkett of the Register. “I struggled all the way through pretty much. I didn’t have good stuff. I was getting to two strikes, wasn’t putting anyone away.”
There were unforced errors: a first-pitch home run by Gregory Polanco, a bases-loaded walk to Chris Stewart (Kershaw’s first since allowing one to Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright on July 24, 2012). But it’s not as if fate made the game easy on him. Kershaw was hit by baseballs three times — twice on defense, once while batting.
Mark Hagerstrom
He sure took his lumps. Actually limiting them to 4 runs when he didn’t have his stuff is a tribute to just how good he is.
Al Kenderes (@Coach__K)
Agree, but bullpen is still an issue that concerns me.
Mark Hagerstrom
The most obvious culprit in this game and agree that pen is a concern, but Clayton did let in 4 runs and the 3-6 hitters were 0-20 (3 BB).
oldbrooklynfan
WE expect a lot from Kershaw and sometimes he disappoints us, but he’s shown us he can bounce back pretty strong.