Kershaw Returns For 5 Innings To Throw Mets' DiAZ Fireball

Dodgers closer Clayton Kershaw gave up one run in five innings in his first start of the season, but the bullpen fire was turned on its head by Mets closer Edwin Diaz's 102.8 mile fireball in a 5-3 victory over the Dodgers.

Kershaw, WHO WENT ON THE DISABLED LIST WITH A BACK INJURY IN EARLY August AND RETURNED TO THE MAJORS NEARLY A MONTH AGO, GAVE UP ONLY ONE RUN IN HIS FIRST START DESPITE THREE WALKS AND ONE HIT IN THE FIRST INNING, AND NEVER ALLOWED ANOTHER METS PLAYER TO GET ON BASE AFTER RETIRING 12 CONSECUTIVE OUTS FROM THE SECOND INNING.

Kershaw GOT OFF TO A GOOD START IN HIS HOMECOMING, THROWING 74 PITCHES OVER FIVE INNINGS, 46 STRIKES, ALLOWING 13 SWINGS, ONE HIT AND ONE RUN, STRIKING OUT SIX AND WALKING THREE FOR A 2.59 ERA.

When Kershaw left the game, the Dodgers were leading 2-1, but the Mets rallied with two runs in each of the sixth and seventh innings to take a 5-2 lead, making Kershaw irrelevant.

The Mets' closer got on the board early in the eighth inning, and Diaz walked and touched, giving the Dodgers hope of a comeback. With one out, Diaz's slider was knocked in for a sacrifice fly by Justin Turner, but he ended it with a 102.8 mile four-seam fastball, Struck out Dodgers hitter Gavin Lux.

It was the fastest pitch of his career. "I was a little bit angry right now," Diaz said. "I had to control MY slider better, and that's what happened."