As you probably remember, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw opened his season with seven perfect innings against the Minnesota Twins last week.
The game was infamous for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts‘ decision to pull Kershaw out of the game after the seven frames at 80 pitches.
In any case, Kershaw didn’t get a chance to make history that day, but he could still break a record if he starts his next game on the right foot.
“Most consecutive batters retired to start season, starting pitchers since 1960: 2013 Yu Darvish: 26; 2022 Clayton Kershaw: 21 ** active streak; 1993 Jose Guzman: 21 h/t @EliasSports,” Sarah Langs tweeted.
Most consecutive batters retired to start season, starting pitchers since 1960:
2013 Yu Darvish: 26
2022 Clayton Kershaw: 21 ** active streak
1993 Jose Guzman: 21h/t @EliasSports
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 18, 2022
It isn’t an impossible task: a piece of history is within Kershaw’s reach.
It may not be a shot at perfection, like he had in his last start, but if the southpaw retires the first two innings of his next outing without any complications, he will hold the record for most consecutive batters retired to open a campaign, with 27, breaking Darvish’s 2013 mark of 26.
Kershaw Could Still Make History In His Next Start
Kershaw is at 21, by virtue of his seven perfect innings.
Will he be able to reach that cool accomplishment?
We will know soon enough, but more importantly, we do know that he looks and feels healthy after spending weeks nursing a forearm issue in 2021.
He had to miss the postseason with the ailment, but now, he looks better than ever, with his low-90s fastball being located at the corners, and his Hall of Fame curveball and sliders working wonders for him.
Hopefully, he can stay healthy for the entire season and return some excellent numbers.
That’s the wish of every Dodgers fan, and every person who loves to watch a good pitcher in action.
NEXT: Trea Turner Owns A Shocking Mark Since Joining The Dodgers