Clayton Kershaw throws tantrum after dodgers' defensive blunders cost them the game

In the United States, on July 20, 2025, Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers in a significant game that ultimately resulted in disappointment for the Dodgers. Kershaw started the game intending to avoid a series sweep, showcasing his skill by achieving a shutout through the first three innings against the Brewers. However, due to a series of errors made by the Dodgers' defense in the fourth and fifth innings, Kershaw's initial strong performance was undermined. By the end of the fifth inning, Kershaw had exited the game with two earned runs against him, and tensions in the dugout began to rise. The game's turning point occurred when infielder Tommy Edman committed a throwing error that allowed Milwaukee's Andrew Vaughn to score. Soon after, Dodgers' center fielder Andy Pages failed to make what should have been a routine catch, permitting Andruw Monasterio to score. In the fifth inning, Esteury Ruiz, a former player for the Oakland Athletics who had previously been designated for assignment, made yet another crucial error with a faulty throw to home plate, allowing a runner to score again. Kershaw, visibly frustrated, left the field at the end of the fifth inning, resulting in an uncharacteristic display of emotion as he tossed his glove and hat on the bench in the dugout. While the Dodgers did momentarily regain the lead in the fifth inning, the Brewers quickly reacted by scoring three runs in the sixth to take control of the game. Kershaw's poor luck continued as the game's final moments unfolded, showcasing yet again the troubling defensive issues plaguing the team. This defeat marked the Dodgers' tenth loss in their last twelve games, raising concerns among fans regarding their performance as they struggle to maintain their competitive edge in the National League West. Despite Kershaw's efforts, which included two strikeouts and a total of five hits over 4.1 innings, the game ended with the Brewers defeating the Dodgers 6-5. The loss compounded ongoing worries about the state of the Dodgers' defense and overall performance, especially as injuries have taken a toll on key players such as Freddie Freeman, who also left the game due to a wrist injury. In the aftermath of the game, Clayton Kershaw addressed reporters but offered little insight into his frustrations, merely stating that they needed to improve their performance moving forward. His unwillingness to elaborate highlighted the growing anxiety within the team as they seek solutions to their evident problems. Manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged that defensive mistakes have continued to haunt the team as they navigate through a challenging season, emphasizing the need for better execution on the field moving forward.