In Los Angeles, Clayton Kershaw arduously pursued his 3,000th career strikeout, an elite milestone in baseball history. With a high pitch count, Kershaw faced his final batter needing just one more strikeout to join only 19 other pitchers who have achieved this feat.
“Trying to strike people out deliberately is a new challenge,” Kershaw joked, acknowledging that it doesn’t come naturally to him. The momentous accomplishment occurred when he struck out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox with a slider in the sixth inning, securing his place in history.
Reflecting on his performance, Kershaw admitted, “I made it interesting and took too long. Honestly, I didn’t pitch that great tonight. The slider wasn’t working as well.” In his 18th season with the Dodgers, Kershaw joined the ranks of Walter Johnson and Bob Gibson as only the third pitcher to have achieved over 3,000 strikeouts all with a single team.
In an exciting conclusion, Freddie Freeman drove in Shohei Ohtani for a ninth-inning rally, clinching a 5-4 victory for the Dodgers, though Kershaw did not earn a win. The Dodger Stadium crowd of over 53,500 roared their approval, giving Kershaw a standing ovation as he left the mound. Embracing the moment, Kershaw waved to his family in the stands, feeling the immense show of support.
He spoke with gratitude towards his wife, Ellen, who endured the emotional stress of the night. “I know she was nervous,” he said sympathetically. “She was worried I wouldn’t make it and would have to achieve it in Milwaukee.” The moment was further celebrated in the clubhouse with teammates, coaches, and executives sharing a toast.
Kershaw is only the third active pitcher to reach this milestone, joining Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. “It’s incredible to be listed with these pitchers,” he remarked, reflecting on the honor of joining the exclusive club. The pivotal moment came to fruition after an emotional delay that included a heartfelt tribute video.
Despite the challenges, Kershaw got the decisive strikeout against Capra on four pitches, landing the called third strike via his dependable slider. Reflecting on the moment, Kershaw expressed his desire for a quicker resolution, “I wanted it to come easy,” he said, half-joking.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts showed flexibility in handling Kershaw’s pitch count, allowing him the chance to achieve the milestone at home. The pitcher eventually retired Lenyn Sosa and Miguel Vargas with key strikeouts. However, the White Sox made Kershaw battle, with Austin Slater hitting a two-run homer at a critical moment.
Kershaw’s achievement came after a dramatic play where Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy injured himself, emphasizing the night’s emotional highs and lows. For Kershaw, who has provided consistency amidst a struggling Dodgers pitching staff, it was yet another moment of personal triumph.
Roberts emphasized Kershaw’s unyielding determination, saying, “It’s a reminder never to bet against him.” As Kershaw transitioned back from injuries earlier in the year, he consistently delivered strong performances, holding batters to a .222 average.
During his prime years, Kershaw dominated the league, securing accolades such as the National League ERA leader and multiple Cy Young awards. In 2014, his outstanding performance led him to secure both Cy Young and MVP honors with a record of 21 wins.
Though age and evolving dynamics have changed his approach, Kershaw’s strategic pitching continues to earn respect. Roberts commented on his growth, noting, “His competitiveness is unchanged, but he’s more nuanced and understands the game in shades of gray now.” This iteration of Kershaw remains a valued leader and intellect within the Dodgers’ dressing room.