Friday, May 03, 2013

Starting This Series With A Heavy Heart

This evening, we're going to ask a 25-year-old man to put aside the tragedy of losing his father, and take the mound against our arch-rivals.

That's an awful lot to ask.

I feel for Clayton Kershaw, whose father, Christopher, passed away Sunday at 63. Losing one's father has to be one of the most difficult life transitions a young man can have, and Clayton Kershaw, who left the game after his last start without speaking with the media, has to return from that family sadness and try and put that loss out of his mind for tonight.

Previewed dodgers.com:

Kershaw will be pitching with a heavy heart after he was placed on the bereavement list Monday to mourn the loss of his father. Kershaw flew home to Texas during the week, but he'll return to the club in time to pitch on Friday.

The 25-year-old southpaw has owned the Giants in the past, with a 9-4 record and a 1.28 ERA in 18 outings. That mark includes Opening Day this season, when Kershaw tossed a shutout and hit the go-ahead home run.

The last time Kershaw started, Sunday against the Brewers, we were trying to figure out what might be off given his prior two starts were shaky. Kershaw put all those doubts to rest with a solid eight-inning, 12 K performance.

But today, there's a different perspective.

Sure, it would be great to notch a win against the Giants, and hopefully get over the dreaded .500 level for the first time since April 16. But I'm more concerned about Kershaw not putting too much pressure on his shoulders, where he already must be carrying a lot of familial weight.

Good luck tonight, Clayton. We're rooting for you, win or lose.

4 comments:

Hideo Nomo said...

Go, Clay!!!

(But, uh, we can't get over .500 until tomorrow at the earliest.)

BJ Killeen said...

Win or lose, we got your back, CK.

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

My heart goes out to you, young Clayton. SOSG readers have your back for sure, no matter what.

karen said...

Clay, losing your father is one of lifes hardest moments. I lost the great man who is my dad in 2004 and still miss him everyday. Like BJ and Dusty said "We got your back , kid". Good luck tonite. We at SoSG will be with you for every pitch.