Kershaw was downright masterful. Through eight innings, Kershaw had allowed three hits -- all singles -- no runs, no walks and struck out seven. He was at just 85 pitches through eight frames.
Then, the bottom of the eighth happened. One of the greatest moments in my Dodger opening day history.
Wow. It was Kershaw's first home run of his career, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Dodgers and Giants were locked in a 0-0 tie and, on the first pitch of the inning, Kershaw promptly untied the game.
It was a no-doubter, too.
He then finished the game by allowing an infield single. His final line: 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K, 94 pitches. Wow.
Kershaw's performance on opening day 2011 was in the running, as was Gary Sheffield's opening day 2001 when he accounted for the lone Dodger run by hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth.
The 25-year-old is in line for the richest contract extension for a pitcher in baseball history. Monday's performance should eliminate any doubt that he deserves a massive contract.
Clayton Kershaw. Best pitcher in baseball.
Wow.
Photo credit: Dustin Nosler, Feelin' Kinda Blue
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