Clayton Kershaw gifted a free strikeout in Game 4 (Video)

Clayton Kershaw got a generous strike call for an out in the second inning of Game 4 of the World Series for the Dodgers against the Rays.

Clayton Kershaw is still working to ditch the negative perception around his postseason performances. It helps when the umpires cut him some slack.

In Game 4 of the World Series, Kershaw was gifted a strikeout in the second inning when his pitch to Joey Wendle flew well above the strike zone. It was still called a strike.

Immediately, there was disagreement over the call.

Jeff Passan of ESPN couldn’t help but agree.

Clayton Kershaw benefited from a questionable call

The strikeout came with a man on second and one out. If it hadn’t been called, Kershaw would have faced a 3-2 count. Instead, he got the out and Willy Adames grounded out two pitches later to end the inning.

In a wild series so far, tied at 2-2 going into Sunday’s game, every call could potentially play a huge role. At least in this case the Dodgers can certainly claim they already had control of the game with their ace working through things on the mound.

Corey Seager got the Dodgers off to a quick start with a single into right field to score Mookie Betts in the first inning. Cody Bellinger followed that up with an infield single to score Seager.

In the second inning, Joc Pederson added to the lead with a home run to make it 3-0.

Kershaw took care of business in Game 1, getting his third win of the 2020 postseason. He struck out eight and gave up just one run in six innings of action.

However, some shakiness was showing by the third when Kershaw gave up two runs as the Dodgers’ lead shrunk.

Maybe that out really did delay a surge by the Rays?