What a masterful game. Appearing in his seventh consecutive Opening Day game Clayton Kershaw continued his dominance by going seven scoreless innings, allowed just one earned run, striking out eight and characteristically walked none. He is now 5-0 with a 0.98 ERA overall on Opening Day, and the Dodgers have won all seven games he has pitched. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
"I think it's a huge honor to get to do it -- but seven times is pretty crazy, I never would have guessed that," Kershaw said. "I don't really have a reason [for the success], but it's a lot of fun and I'm thankful for the opportunity."Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 Mike Piazza reached base for the eight consecutive plate appearance -- he went 3-for-3 with two walks in a Dodgers win over the Pirates. He would fly out his next at-bat the following day.
- Happy Birthday, John Hummel, Pete Kilduff, Joe Vosmik, Mickey Owen, Willie Ramsdell, Gil Hodges & Louis Coleman!
- Video: Alanna Rizzo caught up with Joc Pederson to talk about hitting the first grand slam of the season and becoming the first Dodger to drive in 5 RBIs on opening-day since 1999. (Video Link)
- Video: Hear from Clayton Kershaw after pitching 8 strikes on opening-day against Padres. (Video Link)
- I'd like to extend my thoughts and prayers. I'm pulling for ya, Pedro! Per J.P. Hoornstra at the OC Register; "Pedro Guerrero, feared Dodgers slugger, reportedly 'fighting for his life'"
- Via Bill Plaschke at the LA Times; "On Vin Scully's first opening day in retirement, he engaged in 'that other national pastime, paying bills'"
“Today I was engaged in that other national pastime, paying bills,’’ Scully said with a laugh. “Then I went to the post office to mail them, and now I’m just leaving the carwash.’’
Opening day at the carwash?
“Some people did stop me and say it was strange to see me,’’ he said. “I told them I agree.’’
So was he headed home to at least watch the end of the game?
“I have to go to the hardware store to pick up some anti-moth product,” Scully said. “I’m not sure if I’ll get home in time to see it. Who’s winning?’’
- Per Jeff Sullivan at Fangraphs; "Joc Pederson’s Improvement, In One Swing."
It’s out there by itself, high and tight. Like most hitters, Pederson prefers to get his arms extended, and his power swing comes against pitches comfortably over the plate. The Monday pitch didn’t turn into Pederson’s most inside home run, or his highest home run. Yet it might’ve been the most challenging home run, given how little time Pederson had to get the bat to the ball in order to hit it hard and fair. Pederson was required to shorten up. When he was a younger player, he was close to incapable of shortening up. The home run was made possible by Pederson keeping his hands in, and taking a mostly level attack path.
- National Baseball Card Day will return in August, via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily.
- This is really cool. Budweiser has produced special cans in honor of the Dodgers, via a tweet from Michael Duarte.
* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *
No comments:
Post a Comment