Dodgers: Ranking the worst NLDS moments in Dodger history
By Jamaal Artis
1. 2014 NLDS Meltdown
In 2014 Clayton Kershaw threw a nno-hitter won his second consecutive Cy Young, and became the first Dodgers pitcher to win the National League MVP since Sandy Koufax in 1963. He was, and still is, the best pitcher on the planet.
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In the playoffs, it was a different story for Kershaw. In two starts against the St. Louis Cardinals Kershaw gave up 11 runs on 12 hits while giving up 3 home runs in 12.2 innings. During the regular season Kershaw pitched like Koufax, but in the playoffs, Kershaw pitched like me in Little League.
In game one despite having a 6-2 lead in the seventh inning while pitching a two-hitter (both home runs), Kershaw wilted in the hot afternoon sun as he gave up 4 singles and a double erasing the lead putting the Cardinals ahead 7-6 eventually losing the game 10-9.
In game four on three days rest Kershaw valiantly went into the seventh ahead 2-0 trying to avoid elimination. Again Kershaw falters this time giving up two singles and then a three-run go-ahead home run by Matt Adams. When the Dodgers failed to make up the 3-2 deficit they were eliminated for the second year in a row in St. Louis.
Next: Kershaw's demons won't haunt this October
When Kershaw is faulted for his playoff problems it is this series that people look at, and he is still trying to live it down.