Editorials

Recap: Clayton Kershaw Outduels Jordan Zimmermann, Surpasses 200 Strikeouts

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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After two quick outs in the top of the fourth, Harper lined a shot off the mound that continued toward Hernandez. The Dodgers’ utility man initially booted it, but recovered in time to get the final out and keep Kershaw’s perfect game intact through four innings. There was nothing doing for the Dodgers in the bottom of the fourth as Zimmermann struck out Gonzalez and Puig as part of a 1-2-3 inning.



Kershaw’s bid for perfection ended with one out in the sixth inning as Michael Taylor drove a first pitch fastball over Pederson’s head for a one-out double. After a Zimmermann tapper back to the mound, Hernandez turned in another defensive gem by making a sliding stop and throw on a ball hit up the middle. The out ended the inning and more importantly, kept the Dodgers’ 1-0 lead intact.

While Zimmermann retired the Dodgers in order in the sixth and was tossing a gem himself, the story remained Kershaw’s dominance. Anthony Rendon hit a leadoff single to left field in the seventh, but the Nationals were unable to capitalize as Kershaw went on to strikeout the side.

Zimmermann struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh, giving him 13 consecutive batters retired to that point. Drew Storen hit Pederson with a pitch to put him on with one out in the bottom of the eighth. Andre Ethier pinch-hit for Peraza and drove a double over Harper’s head in right field.

Pederson’s poor baserunning was offset by Rendon’s errant throw home that sailed out of play, allowing both Pederson and Ethier to advance and score. Kenley Jansen entered in the ninth and converted the save opportunity as the Dodgers’ 3-0 win pushed their lead over the San Francisco Giants in the NL West to 3.5 games.

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Clayton Kershaw On Facing Mike Trout

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