If there were any questions about Clayton Kershaw’s ability ahead of his 15th season as the Dodgers’ pitcher, they were answered Wednesday in Minnesota.

Kershaw had 13 strikeouts against 21 batters faced to produce seven perfect innings against the Twins. While fans wanted Kershaw to finish the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn’t willing to push his pitcher any further.

#Dodgers Dave Roberts has pulled pitchers from no-hitters before. Now he pulls Clayton Kershaw from a perfect game. Alex Vesia coming in to pitch the 8th — and the meager crowd is booing.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 13, 2022

Reaction:

Alex Vesia entered the game in the eighth as Kershaw’s replacement but was unable to maintain the perfect game, giving up a hit against the Twins.

Kershaw is pulled. Dodgers lose their perfect game in the 8th. https://t.co/KqRcWDQS4x

— Jason Ross (@JasonRoss1140) April 13, 2022

I understand pulling a pitcher during a no-hitter. But pulling Kershaw after only 80 pitches during a PERFECT GAME is absolutely terrible… And the 1st batter breaks it up…

— Brad Gresens (@Brad_Gresens) April 13, 2022

Kershaw shouldn’t have been pulled that’s a dumb choice there

— Colette (@cocohanks) April 13, 2022

They forreal pulled Kershaw during his run for a perfect game.

— Marla (@marladuh) April 13, 2022

They really pulled Kershaw out with only 6 outs away from a perfect game? Lololololol who does that?

— Andrew Johnson (@80ajohnson) April 13, 2022

Can’t believe they pulled kershaw. Cowards.

— Joe Fisher (@TheFalsettoMan) April 13, 2022

In Kershaw’s specific situation today, I would go with the perfect game. Or at least another inning! https://t.co/w78wmey0PE

— Zach K-man (@sportzak) April 13, 2022

The Dodgers also provided enough offense to support Kershaw’s effort on the mound, including three consecutive home runs in the eighth inning. The Dodgers beat the Twins, 7-0.

Kershaw is perfect thru 7 innings and #Dodgers just go Back to Back to Back HRs in the 8th inning.

— Doc Nole (@DoctorNole) April 13, 2022

Cody Bellinger – Los Angeles Dodgers (1) Solo

— MLB Home Run (@MLBHR) April 13, 2022

Gavin Lux – Los Angeles Dodgers (1) Solo

— MLB Home Run (@MLBHR) April 13, 2022

Austin Barnes – Los Angeles Dodgers (2) Solo

— MLB Home Run (@MLBHR) April 13, 2022

Cody Bellinger – Los Angeles Dodgers (1) Solo

— MLB Home Run (@MLBHR) April 13, 2022

I keep getting notifications from MLBHR about dodgers Tee’n off

— (@texasinmysprite) April 13, 2022

the dodgers really just went back to back to back

— jess (@mlbjess) April 13, 2022

back to back to BACK!! @Dodgers

— Chaez Pearson (@ChaezPearson) April 13, 2022

Related Articles