Dallas native Kershaw ready for 'weird' NLDS
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Dallas native Clayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Padres at Globe Life Field. It will be the first time he’s pitched professionally in Arlington, Texas, and he’ll do it in a bubble at an empty ballpark as a member of the "home" team.
“This whole thing is weird,” Kershaw said on Tuesday. “It’s definitely different to be in Dallas and have to stay in a hotel and things like that. Both teams are dealing with it, and I’m not the only one with family in town. It’s even more reason to make it to the next round, so people can watch.”
| Game | Date | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gm 1 | Oct. 6 | LAD 5, SD 1 | Watch |
| Gm 2 | Oct. 7 | LAD 6, SD 5 | Watch |
| Gm 3 | Oct. 8 | LAD 12, SD 3 | Watch |
Shop for postseason gear: Kershaw said the last time he pitched in this area was in high school.
“We won, I think,” Kershaw said.
Kershaw said he remembered attending games at The Ballpark in Arlington as a kid as “a ton of fun.” He reeled off names from the Rangers clubs of that era -- Rusty Greer, Kevin Elster, Mark McLemore, Otis Nixon. And his favorite player, Will Clark, whose No. 22 Kershaw has always worn. In high school, Kershaw played behind future Major Leaguers Shawn Tolleson and Jordan Walden.
As for the NLDS, Kershaw said the potential of playing five games in five days, with no days off in the schedule, could work in Los Angeles' favor.
“The Dodgers are built so well for this type of situation,” Kershaw said. “We have guys up and down that can pitch quality innings for us.”
Worth noting
• Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Will Smith will be the designated hitter in Game 2, when Austin Barnes will catch Kershaw, as he usually does. This time, however, Los Angeles is not carrying third catcher Keibert Ruiz on its roster.
• Roberts said he wasn’t aware in advance that Justin Turner and Mookie Betts would hold a team meeting on the field during Monday’s workout.
“Very organic. I loved it,” Roberts said. “I had no idea, but when you’re talking about Justin and Mookie leading it, I don’t question the messaging.”