Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Appreciates Clayton Kershaw's Stopper Performance vs Reds
After dropping four straight, including two games where they had a big lead, the Dodgers needed a victory. They got it Thursday morning behind an incredible effort from Clayton Kershaw on the mound. He shut the Cincinnati Reds offense down, going seven innings and striking out nine. It was the second straight start for Kershaw that saw him strike out nine batters.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke about Kershaw and what he appreciates about the future Hall-of-Famer.
We’ve needed every bit of it,” Roberts said. “I think everyone understands the value of going out there and having a shutdown inning, or you’re losing games and you have to win that game. But to have that mindset and mentality to go out there and execute that, that’s why [Kershaw] is who he is. That’s why he has the respect of everyone in the league. There’s just that certain edge that he exudes.”
Since joining the Dodgers in 2008, this is just what Kershaw does. He has been the stopper for this team for what feels like forever and he remains the best pitcher on the team. Anytime he takes the mound, he gives the rest of the team a certain confidence that they will win the game.
It showed again Thursday when the Dodgers needed him most. He helped the team avoid being swept by the Reds and got the team a much needed win. His game was on point and it was his longest outing since April.
“It was huge,” manager Dave Roberts said. “They’re all big. But considering how we lost the last couple of games, four in a row, the state of the bullpen. It seems like every time Clayton is taking the mound, this is a must-win or he’s gotta go deep and cover innings. He did just that.”
Considering how gassed the Dodgers bullpen has been recently, Kershaw being able to go deep into the game was huge. The team only used one reliever in the win and the others can rest before a big series this weekend against the Phillies.
It was the kind of performance that we all have become used to from Kershaw. But don't ever take these kinds of games for granted. Kershaw is unlike any pitcher that has taken the mound over the last 15 years and it won't last forever so appreciate his greatness while he is here.
