With six earned runs in 53 innings, Clayton Kershaw has brewed a 1.02 ERA since the All-Star break.
Over eight innings, he allowed eight baserunners in the Dodgers’ 6-0 victory over Miami, and his WHIP rose.
His ERA+ is now over 200. He had another RBI hit, a line-drive single to left field that broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning.
And this wasn’t even his best game. His control was shaky at the outset, with seven of his first eight pitches called out of the strike zone and 18 balls to his first seven batters.
But with the help of three timely double-play grounders, the Marlins couldn’t score.
Kershaw called it a day after 103 pitches, 66 for strikes. Brian Wilson made his first Dodger appearance in the ninth inning, striking out two and allowing a two-out double to Greg Dobbs. He threw 19 pitches, 11 for strikes.
Five Dodgers had doubles, and Skip Schumaker had a single to go with twice being hit by a pitch. It was the 24th time a Los Angeles Dodger was twice plunked, with Nomar Garciaparra remaining the only one to record the painful hat trick.
Yasiel Puig, who had a double and a sacrifice fly, was also hit by a pitch. In the fourth inning, he was safe at home on a pitch to Schumaker that bounced about 10 feet away from the plate, but it had been ruled dead because the ball hit Schumaker. It would have been a smart hustle play, though.
Arizona lost to Cincinnati, meaning the Dodgers lead the National League West by a season-high 9 1/2 games. In the divisional era, here are their biggest winning margins:
10.0 games in 1977
7.0 games in 1988
5.5 games in 1985
4.0 games in 1974
3.0 games in 2009
3.0 games in 1983
2.5 games in 1978
2.0 games in 2008
2.0 games in 2004
1.0 games in 1995
0.5 games in 1981 (split season, first half)
Bob_Hendley
Clayton’s ERA is currently half a run better than anyone else’s in MLB.
KT
Current standings
http://imgur.com/Y4xYjwt
WinnipegDave
In the “could not be any less significant” category – the Dodgers DROP 2 spots in SI’s Power Rankings. The Cardinals take top spot “because of a recent hot stretch of winning 7 of their last 10!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130822/mlb-power-rankings-cardinals-dodgers-pirates-tigers-braves/?xid=si_topstories
KT
we won 8 of our last 10
Bob_Hendley
The formula uses run differential, as well as adjust for strength of opponent.
Bob_in_Vegas
“Expected” to beat the Phils and fish. But also beat the Cards — and that’s more important than anyone’s theoretical musings/rankings.
nsxtasy
Most of the other power rankings have the Dodgers and Braves 1-2 or 2-1.
dalegribel
This I could see, at least until last night. The unfortunate injury to Heyward makes the Dodgers the top spot choice right now.
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers9m
RECAP: @ClaytonKersh22 tosses a dominant 8 innings as #Dodgers shut out Marlins, 6-0. http://atmlb.com/12tqo7D pic.twitter.com/TwFo7EMQrD
Paul
Has Kershaw implemented a cutter into his arsenal? Over the last handful of games he’s been tossing something in between a fastball and slider that maxes out in the upper 80s. Something I haven’t noticed until recently.
nsxtasy
>> He had another RBI hit, a line-drive single to left field that broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning.
This is the third time this season Kershaw broken a scoreless tie with an RBI. (Also on April 1 with his home run vs the Giants and August 11 vs the Rays.) Given his lack of run support, I don’t blame him for trying to do it himself!
John_from_Aus
Just woke up, nicely done boys
KT
From MSTI…Love this graph: Mike Petriello moderator 1 minute ago
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/probability.jsp
http://imgur.com/QKDHWZ1
KT
Did Brian Wilson do his pose after the last out?
http://imgur.com/FttESf6
SaMoDodger
I kinda hate this pose. But I suppose if it’s out of respect, I can’t argue with it. No worse than Adrian’s fists blowing up or Hanley’s I see you.
ASW1
I used to hate it when he was in a Giants uni – after he did it today, for some reason, it didn’t bother me. Still wish one of his teammates could catch him taking a nap in the clubhouse and use a pair a scissors on his clownish beard.
KT
I hope he take the dough for charity deal but if not I can live with it
mike_tink
Jon, the Puig dash home was in the 4th inning.
I have been wondering if there is a term for this type of mistake; it’s similar to a typo but not a typo.
Jon Weisman
I think “mistake” does it. Sometimes I wish you weren’t so vigilant, though – painful each time you inform me of one.
mike_tink
You are silly. You go years without a mistake.
I am sincere in asking if there is a term for absentmindedly mistyping first when you know it’s fourth.
I don’t do it to be rude. On the rare occasions you make a mistake, I am always amazed that no one beats me to it. If you prefer not to have corrections mentioned please say so. In fact you could make it one of the Thank You For Not’s
Jon Weisman
No, it’s probably better to know.
mike_tink
Sorry but through a few quirks of fate I have two at the ready. Could this be the worst day of Jon’s life?
During this historic run which was at 44-10 before today’s game, the team is actually 11-6 when their opponent scores more than 3 runs. Thus, in the other 37(NB) games before today Dodgers are 33-4.
Btw all, in the 17 games the Dodgers gave up 4 or more runs 2 were at Colorado and 2 were extra inning games.
KT
Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers4m
Ryu caught a cold in Miami, and is very concerned for his teammates’ health. Safety first (via @HyunJinRyu99): pic.twitter.com/QirSVGPw8p
Bob_in_Vegas
Never fun flying with a cold!
WinnipegDave
You are right. Much better to travel the way the people in the background are. What’s going on back there?
KT
ricky nolasco @RNolasco4718m
Bye Miami! Cant wait to get out of this place and back to LA! #iloveLA #westcoastallday
Jon Weisman
Did Yasiel Puig hit the longest non-homer of the season? http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/today-in-yasiel-puig-being-really-great/
scooplew
So, might we call this team the Brews Cruise?
Jeffrey Thomas III
Didn’t get to watch the game as I had to work this morning, but I did check my phone more than I probably should while at work. Looks like it was another good one!
Bob_in_Vegas
Started like it could’ve been a disaster, but the Kid kept plugging and brought in more than he gave up!
Jeffrey Thomas III
I saw the two early walks and worried slightly, but it was back to same ol’ Clayton after that it seems.
Jon Weisman
Brew 102 made a big impression on me as a kid.
http://yieldtouphilltraffic.blogspot.com/2012/09/beer-should-taste-fine-not-merely-rhyme.html
dalegribel
You beat me to finding that warehouse picture. I remember the drive well, though I never remember the daytime traffic along that corridor being that light. The picture must predate us both.
Jeffrey Thomas III
My dad talks about his grandpa always drinking warm Brew 102 from the can when he was a kid, and that his dad took them to the brewery once. I’m too young to know it personally but it’s neat seeing the history.
dalegribel
Only saw the warehouse. It was gone long before I hit legal age (or when I started drinking).
Omr PrzJrz
The second paragraph would work nicely after the current 3rd paragraph. It would flow a little better.
Is this considered a rude comment? :/ Hope not.
Still my favorite Dodger Blog after all these years!
KT
Current Standings:
http://i.imgur.com/OoYPlzp.jpg
mike_tink
I was looking at the ’53 team’s pages at b-r. The lowest OPS+ among the regular position players was the 104 of Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese. Reese was 4th in WAR among the 8 regulars at 5.1 with contributions from fielding and playing short. Jim Gilliam and Bobby Cox were as closely ahead as possible in OPS+ at 105 and 106 but then the jump is to Jackie Robinson at 139. WAR’s were 2.1 for Cox and 3.9 for Gilliam which were 7th and 8th on the team and 6.9 for Jackie which was 3rd behind Campanella and Snider. Those 3 were in the top 10 in WAR in MLB for ’53 even including pitchers. Campanella won the NL MVP with the Dodgers having 7 of the top 14 vote getters
The team’s best 50 games was 41-9 but after that they had a 7-2 stretch for 48-11. This year’s team now needs 3-1 to match that, 4-0 to better.
DS1981
Pretty much the only sane article on Puig i’ve seen from the “mainstream” media the last few days.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/what-to-do-with-yasiel-puig-013146081.html
SaMoDodger
Puig’s refusal to learn the finer points of baseball finally bit the Dodgers on the butt, NOT.
Anybody else prefer to see Fife get the start over Capuano Sunday. Cap’s been awful lately
KT
Fife had a terrible last start also
Bob_Hendley
? Only went 5.1 (98 pitches) but didn’t let in any runs, earned or otherwise. Dodgers won in Chicago.
KT
Minor league start 1/3 inning 6 er, 30 something pitches 8 for strikes…whole bunch more data
ASW1
Haven’t the Dodgers won Cap’s last 8 starts ? Sure, he hasn’t gotten the win in them all, and he’s been giving up some runs, but for some reason, the Dodgers score big for him – let him ride it out, see how far Teflon Cappy can go.
KT
For you B Wilson haters or haven’t come over to the He’s on our team now mentality, (Jon if too racy for this site delete):
http://i.imgur.com/4z0VXtO.jpg
Bob_Hendley
Hasn’t gotten too much grief here on DT, yet. Certainly not as much as Marmol.
KT
Puig’s blast (almost hr):
http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Puig2BMarlins.gif.opt_.gif
KT
close up:
http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Puig2BMarlins2.gif.opt_.gif
KT
real close up:
http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/puigmarlins2.png
ASW1
Was just comparing R.A. Dickey’s and Kershaw’s stats from last season. Dickey had one more SO (230 to 229) threw 6 more innings (233.2 to 227.2). Kershaw had a lower ERA (2.53 to 2.73) and a better ERA+ (150 to 139) and a lower WHIP (1.023 to 1.053). Dickey threw 5 CG and 3 SHO while Kershaw had just 2 and 2. Although CG’s and SHO’s have become irrelevant nowadays when measuring a pitcher’s talent and worth to his team (just look at today’s game).
Dickey sure had a great season last year but was it better that Kershaw’s?
This season Dickey’s sporting a 4.49 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, SO #’s way down – sure he moved from the NL EAST to the AL EAST (worst to best division in MLB) but man, those numbers are brutal.
And besides, look what Kuroda has done in the same division as Dickey.
ASW1
Was just comparing R.A. Dickey’s and Kershaw’s stats from last season. Dickey had one more SO (230 to 229) threw 6 more innings (233.2 to 227.2). Kershaw had a lower ERA (2.53 to 2.73) and a better ERA+ (150 to 139) and a lower WHIP (1.023 to 1.053). Dickey threw 5 CG and 3 SHO while Kershaw had just 2 and 2. Although CG’s and SHO’s have become irrelevant nowadays when measuring a pitcher’s talent and worth to his team (just look at today’s game).
Dickey sure had a great season last year but was it better that Kershaw’s?
This season Dickey’s sporting a 4.49 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, SO #’s way down – sure he moved from the NL EAST to the AL EAST (worst to best division in MLB) but man, those numbers are brutal.
And besides, look what Kuroda has done in the same division as Dickey.
ASW1
Was just comparing R.A. Dickey’s and Kershaw’s stats from last season. Dickey had one more SO (230 to 229) threw 6 more innings (233.2 to 227.2). Kershaw had a lower ERA (2.53 to 2.73) and a better ERA+ (150 to 139) and a lower WHIP (1.023 to 1.053). Dickey threw 5 CG and 3 SHO while Kershaw had just 2 and 2. Although CG’s and SHO’s have become irrelevant nowadays when measuring a pitcher’s talent and worth to his team (just look at today’s game).
Dickey sure had a great season last year but was it better that Kershaw’s?
This season Dickey is sporting a 4.49 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, SO #’s way down – sure he moved from the NL EAST to the AL EAST (worst to best division in MLB) but man, those numbers are brutal.
And besides, look what Kuroda has done in the same division as Dickey.
ASW1
Was just comparing R.A. Dickey’s and Kershaw’s stats from last season. Dickey had one more SO (230 to 229) threw 6 more innings (233.2 to 227.2). Kershaw had a lower ERA (2.53 to 2.73) and a better ERA+ (150 to 139) and a lower WHIP (1.023 to 1.053). Dickey threw 5 CG and 3 SHO while Kershaw had just 2 and 2. Although CG’s and SHO’s have become irrelevant nowadays when measuring a pitcher’s talent and worth to his team (just look at today’s game).
Dickey sure had a great season last year but was it better that Kershaw’s?
This season Dickey is sporting a 4.49 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, SO #’s way down – sure he moved from the NL EAST to the AL EAST (worst to best division in MLB) but man, those numbers are brutal.
And besides, look what Kuroda has done in the same division as Dickey.
KT
Ok, Ok, we get it…just kidding ^_^
WinnipegDave
I was recently looking at Kershaw’s numbers for 2009 and 2010 and can’t believe he didn’t finish in the top 10 for the CY Young voting. They aren’t up to more recent standards, but they were top 10 material.
KT
1-0 cards
DS1981
Speaking of Wilson, i never did understand why athletes who try to look a little different get so much hate from the fans. Maybe it’s because of how i look at sports. I view baseball players as stage performers, actors. I want them to look cartoonish. If they looked and acted like everyone else, that would be incredibly boring. Most baseball players already are. Players/characters like Puig and Wilson presently and somebody like Rickey Henderson and Jose Lima in the past is to me what makes baseball still a somewhat interesting sport to follow.
KT
tied in StL
KT
3-2 Cards
KT
4-2 Cards
KT
Ben Badler @BenBadler3m
They were going to cast Yasiel Puig as Batman, but Batman doesn’t have any superpowers.
KT
yasielpuig @YasielPuig2m
Con lebron james orgulloso de conocer a los mejores de la NBA http://instagram.com/p/dVsyBkDYau/
KT
Now 6-2 Cards
KT
ESPNLA 710 Radio @ESPNLA7102h
ICYMI: Mychal Thompson said @YasielPuig reminds him of Milli Vanilli? #ESPNLANow #doppelganger (h/t @airmagknows) pic.twitter.com/Ss7AAtXbKa
SaMoDodger
He is Fab.
KT
David Vassegh @THEREAL_DV2m
Philly and Mia were fun, but no city beats LA. Glad to be home! Team plane just touched down at LAX
KT
Dodgers are in 2nd place in the MLB standings.
Ahead of the Bucs because of head to head.
2 games behind the Barves….very obtainable…Go BLUE!!!!
pic.twitter.com/R0s1kaupQq
Spence
Can Matt Kemp get his 2011 MVP award now?
KT
Tied in SF
isb77
Another voice of sanity in the mainstream press, “Can We Please Just Let Puig Be Puig?” by Jason Gay in the WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323980604579026641148080908.html
(I’m a long-time lurker dating back to the pre-toaster days)
RBI
Welcome! I lurk more than post, but love me my Dodger Thoughts!
ASW1
Yeah, yeah – at this point the Giants beating the Bucs would be better for the Dodgers but I really don’t care – watching the Gnats get spanked NEVER gets old.
DS1981
Man, playing the yankees and red sox comes with A LOT of white noise from the national media. BTW, when exactly have the red sox attained this level of media attention? The yankees obviously always have, but with the red sox it seems to be a recent thing. From what i remember in the 80’s/90’s nobody cared about them.
Jon Weisman
NPUT!