Star bright: Clayton Kershaw named NL Pitcher of the Month

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Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight;
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.

Which is only for at least four more Clayton Kershaws in the rotation.

Hey, if you’re gonna wish, wish big, my good buddy Leonardo DiCaprio always says.

Despite everything that has befallen the Dodgers this season, Kershaw is one of two players having an outstanding year. The other, naturally, being Matt Kemp.

Kershaw was recognized for his excellence by Major League Baseball on Wednesday, when he was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for July.

In the month, Kershaw went 4-1 with a 2.02 ERA and a league-best 45 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings.

It was a great month, but not all that different from any other one this season for Kershaw. Overall, he is 13-4 with 2.68 ERA and leads the NL with 177 strikeouts.

And, of course, the left-hander is only 23. There figure to be a few more good months ahead.

Kershaw becomes the first Dodger to earn the award since Derek Lowe for August 2006.

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-- Steve Dilbeck