Clayton Kershaw vintage performance delivered a vintage performance, holding the Padres to one run as the Dodgers snapped their four-game losing streak and reclaimed a share of first place in the NL West.
Clayton Kershaw Vintage Performance Stops Padres in Crucial NL West Showdown
The Los Angeles Dodgers needed a spark to halt their four-game losing streak, and on Friday night at Dodger Stadium 2025, they got it from the man who has defined their pitching staff for more than a decade—Clayton Kershaw.
In a Dodgers vs Padres series opener with first place in the National League West standings on the line, Kershaw pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, as Los Angeles edged San Diego 3–2. The win moved the Dodgers back into a share of first place in the division, one victory away from clinching the season series and a potential postseason tiebreaker.
Like Clayton Kershaw vintage performance on the Mound
Manager Dave Roberts summed it up pregame:
“There’s just no one more intense or focused than Clayton Kershaw vintage performance. He has a way of elevating everyone’s play. First game of the series—he’s the perfect guy.”
Clayton Kershaw vintage performance proved him right, keeping the San Diego Padres rivalry in check and showing a Clayton Kershaw vintage performance reminiscent of his prime years. His only blemish came in the second inning when Ramón Laureano homered for the Padres, but he quickly settled in. The left-hander faced just three batters over the minimum, with his final baserunner erased on a double play in the sixth.
Small Ball Lifts Dodgers Offense
The key division matchup in August wasn’t a slugfest—it was won on execution. The Dodgers took the lead in the third inning when Shohei Ohtani drove in a run with an RBI fielder’s choice, followed by Mookie Betts adding a sacrifice fly.
In the seventh, Teoscar Hernández added insurance with a homer, his 19th of the season, stretching the lead to 3–1. It proved vital when the Padres scratched across a run in the eighth.
Dodgers Bullpen Secures Narrow 3–2 Win
Recent bullpen struggles have cost Los Angeles in close games, but on this night, the relievers delivered. Ben Casparius worked a scoreless seventh before Alex Vesia allowed a run on a sac fly in the eighth. Blake Treinen then recorded a strikeouton his first pitch to strand two runners.
In the ninth, Dave Roberts on bullpen trust was evident as he mixed matchups: Alexis Díaz, the newest Dodgers pitcher, got the first two outs, and Jack Dreyer locked down his second save to seal the win.
Built for Big Moments
Teammate Teoscar Hernández praised Kershaw’s performance:
“He’s a legend. He gave up the homer early, but after that, he was like vintage Clayton Kershaw. He’s built for these big moments.”
The Dodgers will now look to ride this momentum through the weekend, knowing that every win counts in the tight NL West showdown 2025.
Looking Ahead
Roberts kept Kershaw at 76 pitches to ensure he’s fresh for his next start in Denver, a notoriously tough environment for pitchers. The Dodgers hope to keep both their ace and their bullpen sharp as the stretch run continues.
Career Snapshot: Clayton Kershaw vintage performance 2025 August Dominance
| Date | Opponent | IP | R | H | SO | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 3 | Giants | 6 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Dodgers W 5–1 |
| Aug 9 | D-backs | 6 | 1 | 4 | 7 | Dodgers W 4–2 |
| Aug 16 | Padres | 6 | 1 | 3 | 6 | Dodgers W 3–2 |
FAQs
1. How many innings did Clayton Kershaw pitch against the Padres?
Kershaw pitched six innings, allowing just one run on three hits.
2. Who hit home runs in the game?
Ramón Laureano for the Padres and Teoscar Hernández for the Dodgers.
3. How did the Dodgers score their first two runs?
On a Shohei Ohtani RBI fielder’s choice and a Mookie Betts sacrifice fly.
4. Who closed the game for the Dodgers?
Jack Dreyer recorded his second save after Alexis Díaz set him up in the ninth.
5. What’s next for Clayton Kershaw?
He’s scheduled to make his next start in Denver against the Rockies.