Clayton Kershaw focuses on the Pirates

Clayton Kershaw is the reigning National League Cy Young winner and while the left-hander will not be approaching the 21 wins he had last season, he is 10-6 and still regarded as one of the best pitchers in the game.

The Pirates have the unenviable task of facing Kershaw Wednesday night. Pittsburgh has a collective .260 (13-60) average against Kershaw, who is 0-1 against the Pirates with an ERA of 3.00.

Kershaw knows that he has to come through now with a potential playoff spot up for grabs for both teams.

"“They have a lot of young talent over there,” Kershaw said in an exclusive interview. “It starts with McCutchen obviously; he’s an incredible talent and is having an awesome season. I think they have a good mix of guys with some experience in Barajas and A.J. Burnett.”"

Kershaw continued praising McCutchen and Burnett, knowing how important they have been to the Pirates this season.

“He’s hitting everything and there’s not really a hole you can go to,” Kershaw said of McCutchen. “His hands are really quick. He’s starting to figure it out. He’s always been a good hitter, but this year he’s especially good.”

“His stuff has always been there, it’s just a matter of putting it together for a full season,” Kershaw said of Burnett. “This isn’t the first time he’s been this good and he’s a good pitcher.”