Clayton Kershaw hadn’t pitched in relief in a Los Angeles Dodgers playoff game since 2019. With his team trailing the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1, Dave Roberts brought in his longtime ace to pitching the 7th inning. What could go wrong?

The Dodger Stadium crowd gave Kershaw a standing ovation as he came out of the bullpen, with another great left-hander, Sandy Koufax joining in the applause. Fans were excited to pay tribute to Kershaw, who announced he’s retiring after the season, but displayed a level of excitement that felt like collective amnesia about what a postseason Kershaw appearance is usually like.

After former Dodger Trea Turner singled and Kyle Schwarber drew a walk, Kershaw retired Bryce Harper when Teoscar Hernandez made a sliding catch of his line drive. Then when Kershaw bo

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