There was plenty of evidence, some of it downright peculiar, that Clayton Kershaw was not his usual dominating self against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night.
First was his second-inning balk on a pickoff attempt that led to an animated argument between Kershaw and first base umpire Joe West. Next was a leadoff walk to Daniel Castro in the third, only the sixth walk issued by Kershaw in 92 2/3 innings.
Kershaw hit Atlanta right-hander Bud Norris with a pitch in the left shoulder to start the sixth inning, the first time in his nine-year career he has hit an opposing pitcher with a pitch.