The Rockies are ready to be free of Clayton Kershaw.
They’ve been ensnared by his arching curveball and deft precision for the better part of two decades. The end is finally near, the head-to-head matchups numbered, whether the future Hall of Famer retires after this season or waits another year.
But his latest showing at Coors Field was a reminder that even when he’s imperfect, he can usually command a game just long enough to lead the Dodgers across the finish line against their lesser division opponent.
That’s how it’s been almost his entire 18-year career, and that’s how it was Thursday afternoon in Colorado’s 9-5 loss.