K is for Kershaw

A game after Chad Billingsley one-upped Randy Wolf's stellar performance, Clayton Kershaw raised the bar higher with an even better start. Clayshaw struck out 13 batters in seven innings while only walking one and giving up one hit, a solo shot to Bengie Molina. That gives Kershaw 19 K's in only 12 innings so far this year. He has surrendered only three hits. I know it's a small sample size against two of the league's worst offenses (San Diego and San Francisco), but it's hard not to get excited about this kid. Kershaw attacked the hitters with his mid-90's fastball while occasionally mixing in his two-plane curve to keep hitters off balance. The Giants looked like they didn't have a chance. That's impressive to see from a young man who just turned 21 years old in March. Over the last two games Dodgers' fans got a glimpse of what is going to be an awesome 1-2 punch in the future; and it's going to be pretty darn sweet in the short term too. If Kershaw can limit the damage from his inevitable walks, he just might be the Dodgers' second best pitcher this season. Even with his random bouts of wildness, he makes it tough on hitters to make good contact and I think that is going to help him out immensely this year when he does struggle. The sky is the limit for the left-hander from Texas and we're just seeing the beginning. Some other thoughts from tonight's game:

• I think Torre went with the hook a little early with Kuo. I understand his logic, but I would have liked to see him get out of the jam on his own. That being said, I'm glad he went to Ronald Belisario instead of another reliever. I know Belisario hung an 0-2 breaking ball to Aaron Rowand, but the guy has filthy stuff and more often than not I think he strikes out Rowand.
• I never thought the Dodgers were going to lose the game. This doesn't happen to me often. I can be cynical and downright pessimistic during games but tonight it just didn't happen. I sent my dad a text telling him we were going to win even after the Rowand bomb, and I wasn't suprised when the Dodgers came back and tied it in the eighth. I think this peaceful feeling bodes well for the team this year since it means that fans are expecting them to win. That's a great feeling. The Dodgers' offense kept getting chances and it was bound to lead to some runs.
• I am very happy with Matt Kemp's at-bat in the eighth. Other Dodgers have great approaches at the plate (virtually everyone hitting 1-6 in the order) and Kemp has made improvements, but he still gives away some at-bats. When he went down 1-2 to Bobby Howry in the eighth with the tying run 90 feet away, I actually lost confidence for a second. However, Kemp laid off a tough pitch to push the count to 2-2 and then shortened his swing and lined a fastball into center to tie the game. If Kemp continues to make those adjustments the Dodgers' lineup will be downright scary.
• Some final random thoughts... I'm loving the O-Dog and it's only a matter of time until every Dodger fan feels the same. It's nice to see Russell Martin coming around; I wasn't worried but he a huge part of this team so it's great to see him produce at the plate. Ethier never gives away an at-bat. It's amazing. The guy just keeps fouling pitches off until he gets something he can handle. Zero hits and 3 RBI's for James Loney. That will make old-school situational hitting lovers happy. Casey Blake is the definition of feast-or-famine so far this year. A .188 average and a team leading three home runs. Can't say I won't take it from the eight hole though.

While it was unfortunate to see the bullpen blow another potential win for Kershaw, it was great to see the offense fight back and steal one from the Hated Ones. Broxton gets the win after mowing down the Giants in order in the ninth. Tomorrow night Eric Stults faces the 126 million dollar man Barry Zito. I'm expecting a high scoring ballgame. But what do I know?