Kershaw Shines as Dodgers Snap Losing Streak
Author: Alden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES — Under challenging circumstances, Clayton Kershaw stepped up for the Dodgers as they were struggling amidst a losing streak. Facing their rival, the San Diego Padres, who had won five consecutive games, Kershaw delivered an impressive performance, allowing only one run over six innings in a 3-2 win at Dodger Stadium.
The National League West, which the Dodgers had led by nine games just six weeks prior, is now tied. Over the next nine days, the two teams will face each other five more times, amplifying the stakes.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Kershaw, saying, “We had the right guy on the mound tonight.” Kershaw, who joined the team’s 2025 rotation in mid-May after recovering from surgeries, has been crucial in stabilizing a team dealing with numerous injuries.
While Kershaw’s early season performance yielded a modest 3.62 ERA in 12 starts, he has recently upped his game. This month, he has pitched six innings in each of his three starts, allowing just two runs. His lone blemish on Friday was a solo homer from Ramon Laureano, with Kershaw needing only 76 pitches to secure 18 outs.
As the game began, news emerged that regular third baseman Max Muncy would miss several weeks due to an oblique strain. With several other players on the injured list, rookies and journeymen were called up to fill the gaps in the lineup. Kershaw’s innings were vital, but contributions also came from Teoscar Hernandez, who hit a crucial seventh-inning homer.
Though Roberts opted not to send Kershaw out for the seventh inning, relievers stepped up, with Ben Casparius and Alex Vesia keeping the Padres at bay, and Blake Treinen closing the game successfully.
Roberts noted the game’s intensity, remarking on the players’ keen focus, and acknowledged the quality of play from both teams. Prior meetings between the Dodgers and Padres have been marked by tension, and with the recent struggles of the Dodgers, this victory provided a sense of renewed hope.
“It just takes one to get going,” Kershaw said. “Hopefully this was it tonight for us.” The Dodgers aim to build on this momentum as they continue their series against the Padres.
