Dodgers Closer Kenley Jansen Pitched a Perfect Game ... Of Sorts

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen recently pitched a perfect game, well, not exactly since it’s impossible for a relief pitcher to record all 27 outs in a single game. Instead Jansen, recorded his 27th consecutive out without allowing a baserunner in the Dodgers’ 5-1 win over the Cardinals Thursday night. David Freese ended the streak at 27, which began with the final out of a win over the Blue Jays on July 23, with a two-out single.

Big picture: the Dodgers keep rolling and have now won 17 of 18 on the road.

The bullpen, led by Jansen, is a big part of the Dodgers’ turnaround. Although his performance isn’t as GIF-abale as Yasiel Puig’s, Jansen’s putting together a fairly ridiculous season. His WHIP is now down to 0.84 and he’s racked up 84 strikeouts in 54.1 innings. During his ‘Perfect Game’ 15 of the outs were by strikeouts.

Why the Dodgers decided to extend Brandon League for $22.5 million over three years boggles the mind. With Ronald Belisario (sub 1.00 WHIP in July, August) and J.P. Howell throwing better Don Mattingly has plenty of late inning options.

The Los Angeles bullpen does get a nice rest every fifth day when Clayton Kershaw pitches, considering the National League MVP candidate has thrown seven or more innings in 19 of his 24 starts in 2013.