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Clayton Kershaw: Dodgers Have To Avoid Complacency During 162-Game Season

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have been mired in a skid for the past few months, several players voiced confidence in momentum turning. Manager Dave Roberts was regularly encouraged by his team’s at-bats even as the losses continued to mount.

The Dodgers snapped a five-game losing streak by sweeping the Seattle Mariners in a two-game set. It marked the first time L.A. won a series or back-to-back games since the middle of April. Their slump has been met by comparisons to the laser focus the Dodgers showed last year.

Of course, the 2020 season was shortened to 60 games and much more of a sprint that marathon of a normal campaign. But even with getting back to a full season, Clayton Kershaw posited the Dodgers need to maintain a similar approach to last year.

“It doesn’t do anybody any good to think about a long season. It doesn’t do anybody any good to think, ‘Well, we’re figure it out eventually. It’s 162, we’re too good not to,'” Kershaw said over the weekend. “In my opinion, you figure it out right now.

“Don’t wait, don’t get complacent with it. Figure it out today. Last season taught us that a little bit. For me personally, every game matters, whether it’s in May or September. All the wins count the same. We’re starting to figure it out.”

Kershaw delivered his message after the only win the Dodgers managed to come away with during the Freeway Series. He was impressive on short rest and now takes the mound with a chance to keep the Dodgers’ momentum.

Bauer frustrated with Dodgers’ losing

After the Dodgers were unable to build on their win against the L.A. Angels, Trevor Bauer voiced his anger with the team’s ongoing struggles.

“I’m pissed, personally. I freaking hate losing,” he said. “I want to win. That’s why I came here. We are not playing up to our capability right now, so I’m mad. I’m not going to speak for everybody else.”

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com