Kershaw’s gem sparks debate on how far to push pitchers for a perfect game

Los Angeles pitcher Clayton Kershaw was lifted from a game Tuesday, despite retiring all 27 batters he faced through seven innings. Manager Dave Roberts lifted Kershaw because he had reached his pitch limit.

April 14, 2022 - 2:20 PM

Clayton Kershaw (22) of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of the game at Target Field on April 13, 2022, in Minneapolis. Photo by (David Berding/Getty Images/TNS)

MINNEAPOLIS — Clayton Kershaw gave a wide-eyed smile to Gavin Lux as he walked off the field.

He laughed while fist-bumping teammates in the dugout as he descended the stairs.

Then he found catcher Austin Barnes and wrapped him in a quick hug, the only time a dejected look ever crossed his face.

“Sorry,” Kershaw told his catcher, as a perfect day came to an imperfect end.

Barnes looked back at the future Hall of Famer, tapped his side and flashed a grin.

There was nothing for the left-handed legend to be sorry about, not after beginning his 14th Dodgers season Wednesday with a stunning — and almost historic — bang.

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