Kershaw Gives up 1 Hit in Nearly Perfect Game Against Angels

Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a 9-1 win against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, in Anaheim, on July 15, 2022. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Clayton Kershaw had a shutout performance giving up just one hit in the eighth inning as the Los Angeles Dodgers (59–30) blasted the Los Angeles Angels (39–52) 9–1 in the opener of the Freeway Series Friday night at Angel Stadium.

The Dodgers have won 13 of the last 15 games, and Chants of “Let’s go Dodgers” serenaded throughout the game as the numerous Dodgers fans were part of the 44,648 in attendance.

Kershaw (7–2) received numerous ovations after each inning, and roars after each out, in an attempt for his second no-hitter—the first coming in June 2014 against Colorado when an error allowed Hanley Ramirez on base in the top of the seventh inning costing Kershaw a perfect game.

Of 23 perfect games in MLB history, only Sandy Koufax was successful to achieve that in Dodgers history on Sept. 9, 1965.

“I really wanted to do it,” said Kershaw. “I think it would have been really fun for everybody involved, just the way everybody played tonight. … This would have been a really big team perfect game if it happened. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, but good night overall.”

It was the second time this season Kershaw was hitless through seven innings, finally giving up a double to Luis Rengifo leading off the eighth, before retiring the following three.

Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Los Angeles Angels in the sixth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, in Anaheim, on July 15, 2022. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The 34-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner had six strikeouts in merely 89 pitches, 63 for strikes, before being relieved in the ninth and this season has only given up 2 runs or less in 9 of 14 starts.

Kershaw was selected to his ninth All-Star game to be played at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, and is a sentimental favorite to start against Angels Shohei Ohtani in the Midsummer Classic.

Kershaw received immediate run support to start the game 2–0 after the first inning, beginning with Trea Turner’s single to center after Mookie Betts walked.

Freddie Freeman played his first game at Angel stadium since his rookie year having attended numerous Angels games growing up nearby in Fountain Valley.

Freeman (.319) would single to right center to score Betts; followed by Will Smith with a single to center. Justin Turner then grounded to second scoring T. Turner (.304) for a two-run lead.

Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a rbi single against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, in Anaheim, on July 15, 2022. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Smith was 4-for-4 with an RBI and a walk, and Turner also led with three hits, four RBIs, and three spectacular defensive plays to help maintain Kershaw’s no-hitter.

Hanser Alberto had a two-run triple in the fifth inning scoring Smith and J. Turner for a 4–0 lead; while Freeman got his 58th RBI in the sixth with a sacrifice fly to bring in Austin Barnes.

Angels starter Patrick Sandoval (3–5) was relieved in the fifth inning after giving up seven hits and two earned runs; Sandoval hails locally from Mission Viejo.

Patrick Sandoval #43 of the Los Angeles Angels throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, in Anaheim, on July 15, 2022. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Angels have now lost 11 of their last 13 as Mike Trout sat out with injury for a third straight game, but Brandon Marsh ended the chance of a shutout hitting a home run off Reyes Moronta in the ninth inning.

The teams meet in the second game of the series as the Angels José Suarez (1–3, 4.79 ERA) faces Dodgers Julio Urías (7–6, 3.01 ERA) at 7:07 p.m. PT.