Many wonder what Wednesday night would bring at Dodger Stadium since Kershaw was the starting pitcher going for his 19th win against the now hated Diamondbacks. Would he retaliate or would he keep his cool and focus not only on the win, and take the opportunity to make an even stronger case for NL Cy Young award?
Kershaw came out on fire in the first inning and his teammates Tony Gwynn Jr who craftily slid home safe to score the first run, thanks to a Matt Kemp single. The Dodgers weren't finished as Jerry Sands drove in another run, hitting a single in shallow center giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. Kershaw was magnificent only allowing one hit until the sixth inning.
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson showed Los Angeles no mercy as he shut down the Dodgers just allowing two runs through seven innings of work.
In the sixth inning, as Parra batting at the plate, Kershaw threw the pitch which seemed to lose control somewhat, actually hit Parra, and home base umpire Bill Welke immediately ejected him.
Kershaw singled out Welke about the same time as Dodgers manager Don Mattingly sprinted out on the field to seek Welke out and ask him why the sudden reaction. Kershaw attempted to plead his ephemeral case that he pitched inside and not intentionally hit Parra. When Kershaw hit the showers, the Dodgers seemed even more determine to get the win not only for themselves but their fallen comrade.
In the eight inning, Dodger hitter Aaron Miles ended the drought as his RBI single gave the Dodgers more run insurance in their attempt to close out the game in the ninth inning.
Dodger closer Kenley Jansen gave up a one run single to Miguel Montero, cut into the Dodger lead 3-2. The next Arizona batter would not be so lucky as Jansen focused and struck out center fielder Chris Young on a breaking ball to end the game.
Dodgers held on to get the victory 3-2. Even though Kershaw was ejected, he got the win, which brings him to an impressive (19-5) record.
After the game Kershaw spoke about his what seem to be unjust ejection "Bill [Welke] is back there just trying to make sure that everything is OK. I understand that he has a job to do, but at the same time, just pay attention to the game and understand what's going on."
Manager Don Mattingly who was also ejected for arguing the call also chimed in on Kershaw's ejection and how his pitching staff pulled it together "The momentum could change there with Clayton coming out of a game he was pretty much dominating. But Josh came in and really did a lot more of the same."
According to Arizona pitcher Daniel Hudson the Diamondbacks were contacted by MLB and given a swift warning before Wednesday nights game. No one in Dodger organization could confirm if they receive that same MLB warning.
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