Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw Sets a Modern Era Record
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has set a modern era record for most strikeouts to start a game in franchise history.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Kershaw set the modern era (since 1900) Dodgers record for most strikeout to start a game (7), surpassing the previous mark held by Andy Messersmith, who struck out the first 6 batters in a game on May 28, 1973.
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 15, 2019
Per Elias Sports Bureau, Kershaw’s 7 K’s against the first 7 batters surpassed former Dodger Andy Messersmith, who had the record of 6 straight K’s back in 1973. Clayton is showing that he is not passed his prime, and he still has what it takes to lead the Dodgers to wins.
When Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts pushed Kershaw’s start back one day, there was concern that the lefty may have been dealing with a nagging injury. Instead, we got a slightly more rested Kershaw, and we now know what a rested Kersh can do.
He opened Wednesday night’s game dealing and finished with 7 IP, allowing only 2 hits, and ultimately recording 10 strikeouts while walking none. Moreover, this was Kershaw’s second 10 strikeout performance of the season, with both coming against the Miami Marlins.
Marlins aside, we are witnessing greatness, and Kershaw keeps proving to us why he’s the greatest pitcher of this generation.
He’s a modern day sandy koufax
With the choking trait instead of the clutch trait
Headline should say Modern Era DODGER Record
Ironically, the record of 8 strikeouts to start a game was first set by Jim Deshaies of the Astros versus the Dodgers in September 1986. It could have been 9 but Tommy set up a pinch hitter in the pitchers spot and he bunted!. That mark of 8 straight to open a game has been equaled twice, by Jacob deGrom and German Martinez.
This can’t be true……..I keep reading posts on the internet web sites telling me Kershaw is washed up. (Grin!)