Clayton Kershaw laid to rest any doubts about his postseason fortunes.
After Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to go with Hyun-jin Ryu in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, Kershaw cruised through eight scoreless innings as Los Angeles won 3-0 against the Atlanta Braves to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Kershaw was in complete control, quieting a Braves offense known for its aggressive style. After Braves left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. doubled in the first inning, Kershaw retired the next 14 batters before an infield hit by Ender Inciarte in the fifth inning.
In 19 previous postseason starts, Kershaw had never gone deeper than seven innings. It was only a question of whether he would come out for the ninth inning after throwing just 85 pitches. He did – but after a pinch hitter was announced, closer Kenley Jansen was called.
For the second consecutive game, the Braves offense has been shut out.
Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado provided the offense with a two-run blast in the first inning off Anibal Sanchez. Yasmani Grandal added a solo shot in the fifth inning to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead.
Turning point
The Dodgers struck first again in the first inning, this time off the bat of Machado, who connected on a 88 mph cutter for a two-run home run off starter Sanchez. Machado has owned Sanchez, going 8-for-17 with four homers during his career. For Machado, it's his second career postseason homer, first as a Dodger. His other came in Game 3 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees in 2012 as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
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