Clayton Kershaw strikes out 13 in Dodgers’ 5-0 win over Mets

Behind a fence in the left-field corner of Dodger Stadium, the relief corps of the Dodgers lounged on folding chairs with their hands stuffed in their pockets as Thursday’s ninth inning began. The relievers had idled all evening, not one member of the group rising to loosen up, as Clayton Kershaw completed his latest masterwork. Kershaw granted them the night off.

In a 5-0 victory, one that allowed the Dodgers to split a four-game series with the Mets, Kershaw delivered his second shutout of the season. He gave up only three hits. No Met touched third base. He struck out 13, reaching a double-digit total for the fifth consecutive game.

“He’s just a beast,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s just completely dominant. I don’t think there’s enough adjectives to describe what he does for our ballclub.”

The game allowed for a series of smaller victories. Kershaw (5-1, 1.74 earned-run average) demonstrated his compatibility with catcher Yasmani Grandal. He reported improved control of his curveball. And he continued an astounding string of strikeouts — he has now struck out 77 batters this season and walked only four.

Grandal keyed the offense with a three-run homer in the first inning. Chase Utley added his third homer of the season. Kershaw required no further assistance. He improved to 81-0 when his teammates provide him four runs of support. It was the 14th shutout of his career and the 23rd complete game of his career.

“Tonight I was able to get deep in the game,” Kershaw said. “Strikeouts are just kind of a byproduct. It’s not that important, in the grand scheme of things.”

Kershaw allowed himself to feel a sense of accomplishment. He did not allow the Mets anything of the sort. And he provided his usual dose of succor for his team.

The Dodgers (18-17) entered the day with a 6-1 record in games started by Kershaw and an 11-16 record otherwise. Before the game, Roberts did not attempt to downplay Kershaw’s importance to the club. There was no point in trying. “When you have the best pitcher on the planet pitching for you that day, those are games you have to win,” he said.

In deference to the fickle nature of the club’s offense, the Dodgers fiddled with Kershaw’s catching partner. He has great affinity for veteran A.J. Ellis. But Roberts paired him with Grandal for the second time in 2016. In their first outing, Kershaw weathered a five-run barrage from the Miami Marlins in one inning and incurred his only loss this season.

But the front office appreciates Grandal’s two-way value and his ability to frame pitches for strikes. Grandal ranked second in the majors in runs saved via framing heading into Thursday, according to Baseball Prospectus.

“Yaz is great back there,” Kershaw said. “And obviously, A.J. and I have been doing it for a long time. I’m good, either way.”

After three singles off Mets starter Bartolo Colon, the Dodgers led by a run when Grandal batted in the first. Colon is a marvel for those who lack interest in aesthetics. He will turn 43 in two weeks. His portliness masks his gift for manipulating the baseball.

But with two runners aboard, Grandal waited for a fastball in the zone. An 87-mph two-seamer arrived on a 2-0 pitch. The resulting blast raced off Grandal’s bat and into the bleachers in right.

“If you’re going to throw a fastball, I’m going to be ready for it,” Grandal said. “Whether it’s 97 or 87.”

An inning later, Utley battered a solo shot of his own. Kershaw now had a five-run lead as his cushion. And he lacked interest in losing it.

In the third inning, Kershaw faced Colon. Colon delighted his teammates and stupefied the Internet last week when he hit the first home run of his 19-year career by walloping a fastball from Padres starter James Shields.

Kershaw had no interest in operating as Colon’s latest patsy. He fired fastballs without worry. Colon behaved as if the rules forbid him from swinging.

The Mets could not cause Kershaw stress. His slider continued to torment hitters, but now his curveball joined the fun. He unleashed the pitch in the ninth inning, striking out Lucas Duda, Curtis Granderson and David Wright, all with hooks. Wright hung his head after he fanned on Kershaw’s 109th pitch of the game, a curveball in the dirt.

At last, the relievers had a reason to move. The group filtered out of the bullpen toward the handshake line, queuing up to congratulate their ace.

“That’s always the goal: Shake the catcher’s hand,” Kershaw said. “That’s always the goal. It feels good.”

Follow Andy McCullough on Twitter: @McCulloughTimes