Kershaw Struggles in Relief During 8th-Inning Collapse

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw faced a challenging eighth inning during the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. On October 8, 2025, Kershaw’s performance as relief pitcher contributed to a significant 8-2 loss for the Dodgers, allowing Philadelphia to score five runs and secure their position in the series.

Kershaw’s Relief Struggles

In a crucial moment, Kershaw took the mound with a two-run deficit. This was his first postseason relief appearance since 2019. He replaced Tanner Scott, who was absent due to a personal matter, and managed to record the final out in the seventh inning, but things escalated quickly in the eighth.

Key Events of the Eighth Inning

• J.T. Realmuto opened with a home run.
• Six batters reached base, contributing to five runs scored by the Phillies.
• Kershaw’s issues with command were evident; he fell behind in counts frequently.
• Despite some defensive highlights from the Dodgers, including a diving catch by Teoscar Hernandez, the damage was done.
• Clayton Kershaw allowed two runs from a two-run single by Trea Turner followed by a homer from Kyle Schwarber.

Kershaw himself acknowledged his lack of effective pitches, stating, “Just didn’t make enough good pitches.” Despite the disappointment, the Dodgers still led the series 2-1 at that point. Kershaw’s struggles showcased the difficulties faced by the Los Angeles bullpen overall, which ranked 21st in ERA during the regular season.

Challenges for the Dodgers’ Bullpen

The absence of Scott and the over-reliance on Kershaw highlighted the issues within the Dodgers’ bullpen. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced limited options as other high-leverage relievers had already been utilized or were saved for leads. With a critical Game 4 approaching, the decision to deploy Kershaw in relief revealed the challenges the team faced in maintaining pitching depth.

Looking Ahead

As the Dodgers prepare for the next game, the team’s reliance on Kershaw could be scrutinized further. His Hall of Fame credentials cannot overshadow the fact that he struggled in key moments. The postseason performance is critical, and with the series still undecided, adjustments will be essential for the Dodgers to advance.

Game 4 scheduled for October 9, 2025, will be crucial for the Dodgers as they look to rebound from this tough loss.