Page 34 - AM231009
P. 34
34 SPORTS AWEMainta Dialuna, 9 October 2023
Diamondbacks Dominate Dodgers
in NLDS Opener with 11-2 Rout
IN a stunning turn of events, the Arizona Diamondbacks
launched a relentless offensive assault on Clayton Kershaw
and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National
League Division Series. The Diamondbacks emerged victo-
rious with an impressive 11-2 win, marking an unforgettable
night at Dodger Stadium.
The game commenced with an unexpected encounter
between Merrill Kelly and Clayton Kershaw, as they exchanged
acknowledgments while warming up in the outfield. Little did
they know that this moment would precede an extraordinary
performance by Kelly and a challenging outing for Kershaw.
Merrill Kelly, making his postseason debut at the age of
The Diamondbacks wasted no time asserting their domi- 34, hushed the skeptics with a stellar performance on the
nance, delivering a barrage of runs in the first inning. Gabriel mound. Despite entering the game with an 0-11 record and a
Moreno’s three-run home run ignited a spectacular six-run 5.49 ERA in 16 starts against the Dodgers, Kelly showcased
inning for Arizona. Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, and Tommy unwavering composure. He held the NL West champions to
Pham also contributed to the offensive showcase with their a mere three hits in 6 1/3 innings, displaying remarkable
home runs. This early offensive onslaught sent shockwaves control and precision. Kelly’s dominant outing included an
through the stadium and set the tone for the remainder of impressive stretch where he retired 11 consecutive Dodgers
the game. batters.
Kelly’s performance left Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
acknowledging the challenge his team faced. The Dodgers
struggled to find an answer to Kelly’s pitching, unable to
mount a substantial offensive threat throughout the game.
For Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner,
the night took an unexpected and humbling turn. Kershaw
endured the worst start of his illustrious 16-year career,
lasting just one-third of an inning. He conceded six runs and
left the field with a sense of disappointment.
Reflecting on his performance, Kershaw expressed his frus-
tration, describing it as “embarrassing” and lamenting that
he felt he had let down his team and fans.
The 11-2 defeat marked one of the most significant post-
season losses in Dodgers’ franchise history. It also marked
the second time in three years that the Dodgers have stum-
bled in Game 1 of the NLDS.
With Game 2 of the series on the horizon, both teams are
gearing up for what promises to be an intriguing continu-
ation of their postseason battle. The Diamondbacks will
seek to maintain their momentum, while the Dodgers aim to
regroup and mount a comeback.
