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Clayton Kershaw looks sharp in Dodgers’ 4-0 loss to Rangers

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SURPRISE, Ariz. — Clayton Kershaw’s longest start of the spring to date was also his best, as the former Cy Young Award winner pitched six scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 4-0 defeat to the Texas Rangers on Saturday.

Kershaw allowed only two baserunners, both on singles, and picked off one of them. He lowered his spring earned-run average to 3.79.

Kershaw struck out six. He was economical, throwing only 70 pitches.

“It felt good today,” Kershaw said. “I felt I had better fastball command.”

While the Dodgers’ ace appeared to be rounding into form for opening day, their closer was roughed up on his 30th birthday.

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Brandon League was charged with four runs and four hits in 1/3 of an inning. Of the seven batters he faced, six reached base, including two on walks. David Murphy started the rally with a lead-off home run.

“What a birthday outing, huh?” League said.

Outfield prospect Yasiel Puig was one for three. His lone hit came in the seventh inning, when he beat out a grounder to short for an infield single.

“He did get 50% of our hits today,” cracked Manager Don Mattingly, referring to the Dodgers’ hit total of two.

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