Los Angeles Dodgers star right-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw took issue with the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of their game on Sunday afternoon. The veteran pitcher delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings while allowing just one run on six hits and striking out seven. Despite the Cardinals’ controversial pre-game actions, the Dodgers secured a 7-3 victory, improving their record to 39-27 in the National League West.
Kershaw, who has been coming off a season of injuries in 2024, appears to be making a strong comeback this season. He has started five games for the Dodgers with a 4.35 ERA and 15 strikeouts. The 38-year-old pitcher, a former National League MVP and Cy Young Award winner, is looking to make a significant impact in the 2025 World Series race. The team, still in the hunt for a playoff spot, has the defending World Series champions a game ahead of the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants in the National League West division.
The Cardinals’ actions, which included broadcasting a clip of Matt Adams’ 2014 National League Division Series walk-off home run against Kershaw, reportedly upset the pitcher. Kershaw, who has a history of strong performances in high-stakes games, called the move ‘a little bush league’ but accepted the rivalry as part of the sport. This incident highlights the tension between teams and the sometimes controversial nature of sports rivalries, particularly over nostalgic references to past games.
While Kershaw’s frustration with the Cardinals’ antics is notable, his performance on the field remains a key factor in the Dodgers’ success. With the season still in its early stages, the team is focused on maintaining momentum as they continue their pursuit of a strong finish to the season and a potential World Series berth.