Kershaw SUFFERS in relief: Phillies rout Dodgers and save the series

Kershaw Struggles in Relief as Dodgers Crumble

In an unexpected turn, star pitcher Clayton Kershaw found himself in trouble in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the National League Division Series, leading to the defeat of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies. The absence of Tanner Scott, added to the management of manager Dave Roberts, set the course of the match. Kershaw, who will retire at the end of the season, made his first postseason relief appearance since 2019. The lefty, who had gotten the last out in the top of the seventh, couldn’t hold his team’s lead.

“I just didn’t make enough good pitches,” Kershaw lamented.

Clayton Kershaw

The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying, but the joy turned into disappointment when J.T. Realmuto hit a home run, followed by a series of errors and hits by the Phillies. The pitcher struggled with control and effectiveness, allowing the Phillies to score five runs in the inning.

The situation in the Dodgers’ bullpen was a key factor. The lack of relief options, due to physical restrictions and tactical decisions, forced Kershaw to take on a greater workload than anticipated. Mookie Betts, despite the loss, highlighted the importance of remembering Kershaw’s career. Roberts’ decision to send Kershaw to relieve, revealed the limitations of the Dodgers’ bullpen. Kershaw admitted that he didn’t have the expected control and couldn’t throw strikes consistently. The result was a painful defeat that complicated the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations.