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

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.

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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