No. 2019.10.09 · Modern Era
Kershaw, Then Kelly
Dave Roberts brought Clayton Kershaw in to protect a two-run lead, and Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto homered back to back. Joe Kelly then pitched a second inning, and Howie Kendrick hit a grand slam.
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Clayton Kershaw, July 9, 2019 (the same season). Not NLDS Game 5.
Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)
October 9, 2019, Game 5 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles had won 106 games. The Dodgers led, 3–1, in the eighth when Dave Roberts brought Clayton Kershaw out of the bullpen. Anthony Rendon homered. Juan Soto homered. The game was tied.
In the tenth Roberts sent Joe Kelly back out for a second inning of relief. Howie Kendrick hit a grand slam. Washington won, 7–3, and went on to win the World Series. The Dodgers' season ended at home, in a winner-take-all game, on two pitching decisions.
Kershaw had been the club's best starter for a decade. Using him there was a choice about the eighth inning of a series, not a statement about his career. Kelly's second inning is the other choice. Kendrick's swing is what the second one cost.
Film
Back-to-back home runs
Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto homer on consecutive pitches off Clayton Kershaw and tie the eighth inning.
Watch on MLB.comKendrick's grand slam
Howie Kendrick hits a grand slam in the tenth, and Washington wins the division series.
Watch on MLB.com