Just once in his career before today had Clayton Kershaw allowed four or more runs in the first inning. Now it’s happened twice.
After 39 pitches, Kershaw got out of the thing when Kyle Hendricks popped out. But before that, he had trouble throwing strikes, trouble not getting crushed, and just trouble all over. The Cubs scored four times in the frame.
Here’s how it went:
From 0-2 to 1-0. #CubTogether pic.twitter.com/k4RoBKiawk
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 4, 2021
Javy Báez came into today's game with a 1.0% walk rate, the lowest among position players in baseball.
Clayton Kershaw came into today's game with a 3.3% walk rate, 6th best among starting pitchers in baseball.
So, naturally, Kershaw walked Báez in the first inning.
— Bleacher Nation Cubs (@BleacherNation) May 4, 2021
Get on the Bote! 🚢#CubTogether pic.twitter.com/chZe0oqh8g
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 4, 2021
Kershaw wound up pulled after that one inning, the shortest outing of his career.
Clayton Kershaw in the dugout lookin' like he lost his soul. pic.twitter.com/FyiBPO5te1
— Bleacher Nation Cubs (@BleacherNation) May 4, 2021