Kershaw the Warrior Returns, but Dodgers Fall Short

Veteran lefty shows grit in first start back, but Angels sweep Freeway Series

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was all smiles before taking the mound for his long-awaited return, telling reporters he was “up for the challenge.” But that optimism was tested early, as the veteran left-hander labored through a rocky first inning.

After striking out the leadoff hitter, Kershaw allowed a single and two walks to load the bases. Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe followed with a two-run single, and Matthew Lugo added an RBI double to give the Halos an early 3-0 lead.

The future Hall of Famer bounced back with a quick second inning, but Angels outfielder Taylor Ward tagged him for a solo home run in the third. The struggles continued into the fourth, where a walk, double, and sacrifice fly pushed the Angels’ lead to 5-3.

Kershaw’s night ended after four innings. He allowed five runs on five hits, struck out two, and walked three. His command was inconsistent throughout, with several pitches missing the zone.

“I think there’s more gratitude, honestly,” Kershaw said postgame. “When you haven’t done something for a long time and realize that you miss being part of a team and contributing, I think there’s a lot of gratitude.”

Despite the rough outing, the Dodgers’ offense tried to pick him up. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman each singled in the first, setting the stage for Andy Pages, who tied the game with his ninth home run of the season—a three-run shot that brought the crowd to its feet.

After the Angels regained the lead 5-3 in the fourth, Kiké Hernández answered with a solo homer in the bottom half of the inning to bring the Dodgers within one.

But that was as close as they’d get.

The Dodgers ultimately dropped the game and the series, as the Angels completed a sweep of their crosstown rivals.