'Working for the Lord': Dodgers Ace Clayton Kershaw Pitches 11 Strikeouts for World Series Win in Game 1

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is finally seeing his dream come true, earning a win as the opening pitcher in the Dodgers' World Series bid against the Houston Astros.

Kershaw helped propel the Dodgers to a 3-to-1 victory by striking out 11 batters.

 

11K's and a WIN!!!! That's a wrap, Game 1! #WorldSeries #ThisTeam

A post shared by Kershaw's Challenge (@kershawschallenge) on Oct 24, 2017 at 8:35pm PDT

Up till now, he's earned some big awards: three Cy Young Awards, five ERA crowns, three strikeout titles, a seven-time All-Star who's also won an MVP trophy and thrown a no-hitter.

But he had never been to the World Series – until now.

 

Masterpiece. #ThisTeam

A post shared by Los Angeles Dodgers (@dodgers) on Oct 24, 2017 at 8:05pm PDT

Kershaw's solid faith in Jesus Christ has grounded him throughout an incredibly successful career.

"Jesus is the only true way to Heaven," he said in a recent interview.

"I started really believing and understanding what it meant to be a follower of Jesus when I was probably in high school sometime," Kershaw said. "From there, just trying to draw on my faith since then."

His bio on Twitter says just one thing: Colossians 3:23CloseColossians 3:23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) .

In case you were wondering, that verse states: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."

And the website for his Christ-centered charity, Kershaw's Challenge, includes this Bible verse: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15CloseJoshua 24:15 But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

It's that all-consuming faith that compels Kershaw to use his platform to be a witness for the Gospel.

"You are not supposed to convert anybody, that's God's job," said Kershaw. "But at the same time, you can be His disciple and live for Him and when people ask you why are you living for Him, you can show them why and profess your faith."

Before the opening game Tuesday, Kershaw was keeping his big opportunity in perspective.

"Who knows how many times I'm going to get to go to the World Series? I know more than anybody how hard it is to get there. So, I'm definitely not taking this one for granted," he said.

At just 29 years old, Kershaw seems destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Before the World Series, he was 144-64 with a 2.36 ERA overall after going 18-4 with a 2.31 ERA this year.