Clayton Kershaw's Struggle in the NLDS: A Closer Look at His Performance and its Justification

Clayton Kershaw, one of the greatest pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB), has often been praised for his consistency and dominance. Yet, he found himself in the spotlight for his subpar performance in Game 5 of the National League Division Series (NLDS), which ultimately led to critical assessments and questions about his capabilities. This article delves into Kershaw's performance, weighing his historical achievements against the scrutiny he faced during this particular game. We will also explore why he may not deserve the “shame” heaped upon him.

Clayton Kershaw's Lifetime Achievements and Standing

Clayton Kershaw's career is a testament to his talent and dedication. As of the time of this writing, he has accumulated an impressive 169 wins, a feat that places him among the top pitchers in MLB history. Additionally, Kershaw boasts a remarkable Earned Run Average (ERA) of 2.44, a statistic that speaks volumes about his ability to keep runs off the board. These numbers alone are enough to highlight Kershaw’s long-standing success and reliability as a starting pitcher.

Game 5 of the NLDS: A Disappointing Performance

Despite Kershaw's stellar career, Game 5 of the NLDS in 2017 stands out as a moment of concern. Kershaw struggled through a difficult inning, particularly in the 8th, after yielding his first home run of the game. Traditionally, Kershaw is not designed for late-inning pitching. Pitching in these crucial moments could be detrimental, as his primary role is as a formidable starting pitcher. The Dodgers had other late-inning relievers like Kenley Jansen ready and waiting in the bullpen, raising questions about why Kershaw was forced to pitch in these high-leverage situations.

Why Kershaw Was on the Mound in Game 5

Further scrutiny revealed that Kershaw’s appearance in the 8th inning might have been premature. On a closer inspection, it would have been more beneficial to have a better suited pitcher handle these late-inning situations. For a closer like Kenley Jansen, it is his role to come in during such critical moments, not Kershaw. Deploying Kershaw in the 8th inning of a playoff game could potentially jeopardize the team’s chances, especially in extra innings, when a closer is most needed.

Post-Game Debates and Justification for Kershaw's Role

Post-game debates center around the idea that Kershaw might not have "chocked" the game. A 3-run lead in 6 innings, while not a legendary pitching performance, still indicates that Kershaw has not performed beyond his capabilities. Some argue that Kershaw's performance cannot be solely attributed to choking or bad decisions. Although his ERA stands at an admirable 2.44, it is important to gauge his overall performance in the context of the game and not isolate a single moment.

Conclusion: A Fair Assessment of Kershaw's Performance

In conclusion, Clayton Kershaw's performance in Game 5 of the NLDS, while disappointing, does not necessarily warrant the "shame" often attributed to him. His lifetime wins and ERA have established him as one of the best pitchers in MLB history. The game's specific circumstances and game strategy played a significant role in his appearance late in the game, which is not reflective of his overall capability as a pitcher. Moving forward, Kershaw's reputation as a top-notch pitcher should not be overshadowed by a single low point in a high-stakes game.

Keywords: Clayton Kershaw, NLDS Game 5, ERA, Dodgers

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