Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw did not appreciate the St. Louis Cardinals’ mind games before the teams clashed Sunday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.
Kershaw was on the mound for the Dodgers to start the series finale. Before the game’s first pitch, the Cardinals pulled a petty move in an attempt to get under Kershaw’s skin.
The Busch Stadium video board flashed Matt Adams’ series-clinching home run against Kershaw in Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS. Adams’ three-run blast accounted for all the Cardinals’ scoring in the 3-2 St. Louis win.
The stadium staff had the clip on loop for several minutes. Kershaw was asked about the petty move after the game.
“I think it’s a little bush league,” said Kershaw. “But I don’t expect anything less from these guys. So, it’s no worries.”
#Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw on the #STLCards showing this Matt Adams three-run HR from the 2014 NLDS in the pregame (via @jmjones ): “I think it’s a little bush league, but I don’t expect anything less from these guys. So, it’s no worries.” pic.twitter.com/qSINX7FBgW
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) June 8, 2025
The virtual slight did seem to strike a nerve against Kershaw. But it may have motivated the Dodgers star more than anything.
Fueled by the pregame antics, Kershaw gave up just one run and six hits across five innings to lead the Dodgers to a 7-3 win over the Cardinals.
The Dodgers star is undeniably one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. However, the former NL MVP has had a reputation for shrinking under the bright lights of the postseason. He owns a pedestrian 4.49 ERA and 13-13 record in 39 career playoff games.
