Los Angeles, California – Clayton Kershaw achieved a historic milestone Wednesday night, becoming just the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to strike out 3,000 batters. The accomplishment came during a crucial sixth inning, when Kershaw’s slider caught Chicago White Sox’s Vinny Capra looking on a 1-2 count.
After the pivotal strikeout, Kershaw briefly walked off the mound lost in thought before his teammates rushed to celebrate the achievement on the warning track outside the dugout. The Los Angeles Dodgers honored Kershaw with a montage of his career highlights displayed on the outfield video boards, encapsulating a legacy that many consider one of the most remarkable in the sport.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reflected on the achievement, noting the rarity of reaching 3,000 strikeouts. “It’s a testament to hard work and longevity,” Roberts said. “You have to be consistently good and stay healthy to achieve this.” He noted the significance of Kershaw’s milestone, emphasizing that fans should appreciate such sustained excellence.
Kershaw’s path to this achievement was a challenging one. Despite having thrown 92 pitches by the start of the sixth—his highest count in over two years—Roberts had decided to let him continue in hopes of reaching the milestone. Kershaw faced 27 batters and entered the game with an almost palpable tension in the air. “The fans really wanted it for me,” Kershaw said. “You could feel the energy in the moment.”
The game remained competitive as the Dodgers trailed 4-2 in the ninth inning. A crucial rally began with Michael Conforto’s single, followed by walks to Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim, loading the bases without any outs. Shohei Ohtani’s ground ball driven to second base scored one run, while Mookie Betts’ sacrifice fly brought Edman home, tying the game. Freddie Freeman sealed the victory for Los Angeles with a two-run single, allowing Kershaw to escape his first loss of the season.
Amidst the celebration, the Dodgers faced potential injury concerns. A hard slide by Chicago’s Michael Taylor into Max Muncy during the game raised alarms. Muncy, who had been in strong hitting form, exited favoring his left knee. Roberts indicated that Muncy would undergo an MRI the following day, with hopes that the injury might only be a sprain. Taylor also departed the game due to a shoulder contusion.
Before the game, Kershaw received a warm reception from the crowd, who applauded him as he took the field for stretching routines. The cheers reached a crescendo as he entered the sixth inning, a moment Kershaw described as unforgettable.
The White Sox made Kershaw work hard, forcing him to labor through a taxing 29-pitch first inning. Though he allowed a run and faced numerous challenges, he managed to battle through, demonstrating the resilience that has become a hallmark of his career.
As Kershaw reflected on his journey to this achievement, he expressed gratitude for the rare fellowship he now belongs to. “I’m truly honored to be in such an incredible list,” Kershaw said. “This moment is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
The evening not only marked a milestone for Kershaw but also showcased the Dodgers’ tenacity as they fought back from a two-run deficit, solidifying their position in a tightly contested division. As Kershaw continues to inspire fans and young players alike, his legacy remains a testament to dedication, skill, and enduring excellence on the diamond.