That “Playoff Kershaw” pattern continues to haunt him.
And the Braves take a 3-1 lead in the NLCS.
Clayton Kershaw has given up three go-ahead hits in the 6th inning or later since the 2013 postseason, tied with Justin Verlander for the 2nd-most over that span.
Only Aroldis Chapman (5) has given up more. pic.twitter.com/D5oInwZ9wm
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 16, 2020
The Clayton Kershaw Postseason Meltdown is always the saddest reality show every year. You keep watching, hoping for a different ending. Then, you just feel terrible for him all over again.
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) October 16, 2020
Clayton Kershaw on the mound in the sixth inning, nervy Dodger fans everywhere wondering if Dave Roberts, once again, has let him stay on too long.
And then Acuna singles. Freeman doubles. Ozuna doubles.
The Braves go up by two, with no outs, Kershaw leaves the game, and his final line looks like this:
Five innings pitched. Four earned runs.
And the legacy of the best pitcher to never be able to get it done in October, whether by chance or by choke, continues.
Below is a comprehensive list of pitchers to start 10+ games in the LCS/WS with an ERA over 5.00.
Clayton Kershaw (5.02)
— Paul Hembekides (@PaulHembo) October 16, 2020
Clayton Kershaw's 4.31 career ERA is the worst in MLB history among pitchers with over 100 playoff innings #Dodgers
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) October 16, 2020
By the end of the inning, it’s 7-1 Braves and a giddy skip toward a 3-1 lead in the series. Brusdar Graterol came in out of the bullpen, gave up three runs, then Victor Gonzalez gave up another.
Braves win. Playoff Kershaw repeats once again on the scorecard.
The last hope for the Dodgers is this:
Playoffs Atlanta rears it ugly, every-year head again.
And they blow this sure-thing lead.
*Braves up 3-1 in series*
Braves: pic.twitter.com/UbyE3XZk5n— Taylor Barber (@coach_barbTCHS) October 17, 2020