MLB notes: Clayton Kershaw extends streak to 37 innings
Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout made history at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. It was the first time that a reigning MVP from the National League pitched to a reigning MVP from the American League.
Trout was 0 for 3 against Kershaw, who extended his scoreless streak to 37 innings with eight innings of two-hit ball and led the Dodgers to a 3-1 victory over the Angels.
“I was just trying to get him out,” Kershaw said. “He’s an unbelievable hitter, probably the best hitter in the game. If he hits three homers and we win, I’ll be OK, too. I don’t think it’s fun to face anybody. But if you get him out, it’s fun.”
Trout looked at a called third strike his first time up, grounded into a fielder’s choice, and got robbed of a bloop single by right fielder Yasiel Puig.
“We’ve faced some good pitching the last couple of days,” Trout said. “Obviously, Kershaw today had his dominant stuff once again. That’s why he’s the best in the league. He threw all pitches for strikes today and had his good stuff. Every pitch was cutting, sinking, sliding, curving, the whole bit.”
Kershaw (9-6) struck out seven, walked one and retired his last 15 batters. The left-hander was working on eight days’ rest after his outing was delayed twice because of a sore hip.
“It’s crazy what an extra three days off will do. I don’t like days off, apparently,” Kershaw said. “My off-speed stuff wasn’t as sharp as it has been in the past – and coupled with the Angels not swinging at anything in the dirt made it a little bit difficult at first.
“They had a really good game plan and stuck with it, but I was able to get some quick innings in the middle and I was fortunate to get through eight today. I think my fastball command got a little better as the game went on,” he added.
Kershaw’s previous start was a three-hit shutout on July 23 at the New York Mets. He hasn’t given up a run since Wilmer Flores’ RBI single for the Mets on July 3.
Kershaw had a 41-inning shutout streak last season, when he became the first N.L. pitcher since 1968 to be named MVP and won his unprecedented fourth consecutive major league ERA title.
Kershaw lowered his ERA this season to 2.37 and raised his major league-leading strikeout total to 192.
Boston’s boss stepping down
Larry Lucchino is stepping down this year at the Boston Red Sox’s president and CEO.
Team spokesman Kevin Gregg says in an email that Lucchino hopes to remain with the club in some capacity. Gregg also says Sam Kennedy, the executive vice president and COO of the Red Sox, is Lucchino’s choice to take over as president.
Lucchino, who turns 70 next year, was part of the ownership group that purchased the Red Sox in 2002. He helped Boston to three World Series titles in his time with the team.