Clayton Kershaw got back on the mound last night as the Oklahoma City Dodgers Opening Night starting pitcher -- which begs the question: "Would this qualify as his ninth consecutive Opening Day start as a Dodger?" Per Jacob Unruh at the Oklahoman:
Kershaw threw 4 1/3 innings in the first of what is likely two rehab starts Thursday night as the Oklahoma City Dodgers opened their season against the San Antonio Missions.
“It was a good first step,” Kershaw said. “I got through everything I needed to, got up for that fifth inning, got some guys on base, worked out of the stretch and did multiple different things. It was a good day.”
Kershaw allowed two runs on four hits and two walks. He struck out six and threw 61 pitches, 41 of which were strikes. His fastball touched 90 mph. The two runs came in the second — a lead-off home run by Tyrone Taylor on an opening fastball and a run-scoring single by Jacob Nottingham later in the inning.Photo above via OKC Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1913 25,000 fans watched the Dodgers play their first game in their new home, Ebbets Field. It was an exhibition match that saw Brooklyn defeat the Yankees, 3-2. Superbas (Dodgers) outfielder Casey Stengel (the future famed Yankees manager) hit the first home run at the stadium -- an inside-the-park homer in the fifth inning. In 1977 the Dodgers signed free agent first baseman Boog Powell.
- Happy Birthday, Héctor Olivera & Greg Smith!