Clayton Kershaw better World Series pitcher than Justin Verlander

Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander have two different narratives in October.

Kershaw’s postseason failures have been a topic of conversation for years, possibly due to the fact that the Dodgers have been in the playoffs every year over the past decade. He has struggled once the calendar turns to October, posting a 4.22 ERA in his 194 postseason innings. While the rest of his numbers have been solid, he just cannot prevent runs when the games matter most.

Clayton Kershaw outshines Justin Verlander in Fall Classic

Verlander has been better overall in the postseason. He had posted a 3.55 ERA over his 197.2 playoff innings entering Game One of the World Series with his typically excellent ratios. The problem is when Verlander pitches in the World Series.

He has now made eight appearances in the World Series and has yet to win any of them. Verlander has a 0-6 record with a 6.07 ERA and a 1.326 WHiP in his 43 innings in the Fall Classic, typically failing to give his team a chance to win. His outing on Friday, when he failed to hold a five run lead after firing three shutout innings to start the game, was par for the course.

Kershaw, meanwhile, has been better in the World Series. His 4.46 ERA and 1.070 WHiP in 38.1 innings may not stand out, but they are much better than Verlander’s performance. But the narrative is that Kershaw cannot win when it matters.

Both pitchers have a World Series ring, although asterisks could be included with both. Verlander earned his in 2017, with the AstroGate scandal making fans feel it is tainted. Kershaw’s ring came in the pandemic shortened 2020 season, leading to questions as to whether or not that one is legitimate as well.

But the narratives are different. Kershaw struggles in the playoffs, turning into a pumpkin once October rolls around. Verlander, however, has gotten a free pass for his issues in the World Series. Now, after his performance in Game One of the World Series, it is time to wonder if Verlander can win when the games matter as well.

Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw have different narratives around their postseason performances. They really are not that different.