The anticipation was high as the Los Angeles Dodgers took on the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. The fans filled Dodger Stadium, hoping to witness a dominant performance from their ace, Clayton Kershaw. Unfortunately, what unfolded was nothing short of a disaster.
As the game began, Kershaw’s struggles became apparent from the start. Just eight batters into the game, and with less than one inning recorded, he found himself in an insurmountable 6-0 deficit. It was a situation nobody could have predicted. The fans, who were still settling into their seats, were left in disbelief.
Kershaw’s performance that day etched his name in the history books for all the wrong reasons. It was one of the worst starts in postseason history. His struggles began with second baseman Ketel Marte’s hit, which was misplayed by rookie center fielder James Outman. What should have been ruled as an error turned into a double for Marte.
The hits continued to pile up against Kershaw, with Corbin Carroll and Tommy Pham following suit with back-to-back singles. Christian Walker added a double, amplifying the Dodgers’ misery. But the pinnacle of the nightmare came when Gabriel Moreno, who had recently recovered from a head injury, blasted a three-run homer that traveled an astonishing 419 feet. The crowd, still trickling into the stadium, fell into stunned silence.
Kershaw’s outing marked a significant milestone in his career. It was his 454th career start, and the first time he had allowed five consecutive hits to start a game. To make matters worse, he failed to complete even a single inning. The only other pitchers who had suffered such a humbling experience in postseason history were Dakota Hudson, Mike Foltynewicz, and Gil Heredia.
In the weeks leading up to the playoffs, Kershaw had been battling a tender shoulder, which had impacted his performances. Despite his limitations, the Dodgers still had faith in their ace. Throughout the last two months of the regular season, Kershaw managed to baffle hitters with a slower fastball and precise pitching, consistently delivering solid five-inning starts.
His determination and resilience were evident in his performance, as his ERA in the last eight regular-season games stood at an impressive 2.23. But when the postseason arrived, and the pressure intensified, it all came crashing down. The toll of Kershaw’s injury couldn’t be ignored any longer, and he was unable to deliver when it mattered most.
Clayton Kershaw’s disastrous start in the NLDS will undoubtedly serve as a valuable lesson for both him and the Dodgers. It highlights the importance of being physically and mentally prepared for the pressures of the postseason. While Kershaw’s injury played a significant role in his downfall, it also emphasizes the need for teams to have contingency plans and backup options during crucial games.
In the end, this catastrophic outing serves as a reminder that even the most talented and accomplished players can falter under immense pressure. It is a humbling experience that Kershaw and the Dodgers will not soon forget, but one that will undoubtedly fuel their desire to come back stronger in future postseasons.
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