The LA Dodgers Just Received a Massive Boost to Their World Series Hopes
The LA Dodgers received some good news ahead of their Game 4 NLCS matchup against the Atlanta Braves. After the Dodgers defeated the Braves 15-3 in Game 3, they found out that Clayton Kershaw would start Game 4.
Kershaw was scheduled to pitch Game 2 but was scratched due to back spasms. The Dodgers have a chance to tie the series, and Kershaw will look to keep the bats quiet for the Braves.
Clayton Kershaw’s performance in the regular season
During the shortened regular season in 2020, Kershaw still put up impressive numbers. He finished the season with a 6-2 record with 62 strikeouts and a 2.16 ERA. Throughout his career, Kershaw has had a lot of success in the regular season. Kershaw made 11 starts during the season. His first start came on August 2 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Kershaw put together an impressive performance going 5.2 innings and striking out six. He did not give up a single run in his first outing. The Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks that game 3-0 to give Kershaw his first win of the season. He picked up his first loss in his next outing against the San Francisco Giants. Kershaw went 4.1 innings and gave up four runs. The Giants hit three home runs off Kershaw that game and went on to win 5-4.
His best performance of the season came during his fourth start against the Seattle Mariners. He threw seven innings, striking out 11 while giving up one run as the Dodgers won 6-1. In his final outing of the regular season, Kershaw picked up a no-decision against the LA Angels. He went four innings, giving up four runs, one of those earned, and had three strikeouts. With the Dodgers having a lot of success during the regular season, Kershaw was ready to go into the playoffs and help his team reach the World Series.
Kershaw’s performance in the playoffs
Going into the 2020 MLB Playoffs, the Dodgers were the top seed in the west. In the Wild Card Series, they took on the Milwaukee Brewers. Kershaw had a big performance against the Brewers. He threw eight innings and stuck out 13 batters as the Dodgers won 3-0. The Dodgers went on to sweep the Brewers 2-0 to advance to the Division Series.
In the NLDS, the Dodgers took on the San Diego Padres, and the Padres were a tough matchup for Kershaw. During Game 2, Kershaw took the mound for the Dodgers, and he went six innings and gave up three runs. The Padres hit two home runs off Kershaw, but the Dodgers were able to pull out the 6-5 win. LA swept the Dodgers 3-0 to advance to the NLCS to take on the Atlanta Braves.
Kershaw gets another chance at the Braves
The Braves won the first game of the series, and Kershaw was scheduled to start Game 2. But due to back spasms, he was scratched from the game, and the Braves ended up defeating the Dodgers to take a 2-0 lead. With the Dodgers winning Game 3, the Braves now lead the series 2-1. This is an important game for both teams. If the Braves win, they’re one win away from the World Series, and if the Dodgers win, they tie the series.
Kershaw will start Game 4, and he has had success against the Braves throughout his career. He has never lost against the Braves. According to ESPN Stats & Info Twitter page, Kershaw is 5-0 with a 1.78 ERA in his 11 regular-season starts against the Braves, and 2–0 with a 0.43 ERA in his three postseason starts against them. Looking at those numbers, the Dodgers have a good chance to tie the series up. Kershaw will definitely look to bring his A-game going into Game 4.
