Kershaw now first 18-game winner in majors

Los Angeles: Clayton Kershaw became the first 18-game winner in the majors, pitching eight stingy innings to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers over the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Sunday. Yasmani Grandal homered and drove in all three runs for the NL West champions. Kershaw (18-4) allowed only Mac Williamson’s home run in the eighth. He gave up eight hits, did not walk a batter and struck out six. Moments after the final out, Cleveland ace Corey Kluber also earned his 18th win to take over sole possession of the American League lead. Kershaw, bidding to win his fourth NL Cy Young Award, lowered his league-best ERA to 2.21.