Kuhl’s strong MLB debut snaps Kershaw’s streak

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Chad Kuhl seemingly didn’t stand much of a chance in his major league debut against a three-time National League Cy Young Award winner on a nine-game winning streak.

Yet Kuhl pitched five effective innings and David Freese hit a three-run double that sent the Pittsburgh Pirates past Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 on Sunday night.

“That’s one of the beautiful things about sport,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “You can’t write that story before the game. You wouldn’t have that in there anywhere and it plays itself out on the national stage.”

Kuhl (1-0) allowed three runs and four hits in five innings after getting called up from Triple-A Indianapolis before the game. The 23-year-old righty struck out five and walked four after going 6-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 14 minor league starts.

“It’s something really special, I have a lot of respect for that guy,” Kuhl said of beating Kershaw. “That’s something to dream about, my debut was against Kershaw, so that was incredible.”

Kershaw (11-2) took his second loss of the season exactly two months after he was beaten by Miami on April 26. He gave up four runs and nine hits in six innings, striking out four and walking two.

“Sometimes I think we all forget that he’s not perfect, but he’s not perfect,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He is going to lose a game now and again.”

Freese’s big hit capped a four-run second. Pittsburgh rookie Adam Frazier drove in the first run with a single after entering in top of the inning when shortstop Jordy Mercer was injured.

“What it comes down to is a couple of misfires and not being able to minimize the damage,” Kershaw said. “I misfired on a pitch to Frazier and one to Freese that really hurt. I tried to the get a fastball inside on Freese and obviously didn’t get it in nearly far enough.”

The Pirates have won three in a row against the Dodgers after losing 13 of 15 overall and can sweep the four-game series Monday. Los Angeles arrived on a six-game winning streak.

Mark Melancon pitched a perfect ninth for his 22nd save in 23 opportunities, combining with Juan Nicasio and A.J. Schugel for four scoreless innings of relief.

Justin Turner drove in all three Dodgers runs and had two of their four hits. He hit a two-run homer, his 11th, off Kuhl in the third and pulled Los Angeles to 4-3 with a double in the fifth.

Turner attempted to score the tying run on an errant pitch by Kuhl. However, the ball caromed back to catcher Chris Stewart and he threw to Kuhl, who tagged out Turner at home plate to end the inning.

Frazier and Stewart both had two hits for the Pirates.