LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic evening at Dodger Stadium, Clayton Kershaw etched his name into baseball history by becoming the 20th pitcher to achieve 3,000 career strikeouts. The milestone came during the sixth inning of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, as Kershaw delivered his 100th pitch of the night, a slider that froze White Sox third baseman Vinny Capra.
The crowd erupted in applause as Kershaw tipped his cap to the sold-out stadium. His teammates joined him on the field for a series of celebratory hugs, followed by a tribute video that played on the scoreboard. Kershaw, visibly moved, returned to the field to acknowledge the fans once more.
Kershaw’s Place in Baseball History
Kershaw’s achievement places him among an elite group of pitchers. He is only the fourth left-handed pitcher to reach this milestone, joining the ranks of Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia. Furthermore, Kershaw is one of just five pitchers to accumulate 3,000 strikeouts with a single team, alongside legends such as Walter Johnson and Bob Gibson.
Among active pitchers, only Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer have reached the 3,000-strikeout mark, with Scherzer achieving it as a Dodger in 2021. Kershaw’s journey to this milestone has been marked by consistent excellence, as he has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff for over a decade.
A Night of High Drama
The evening was not without its tense moments. Kershaw’s first strikeout of the game came in the third inning, shortly after the White Sox took a 3-2 lead. His 2,999th strikeout was a curveball that ended the fifth inning, setting the stage for his historic 3,000th strikeout in the sixth inning.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, confident in Kershaw’s ability, refrained from pulling him out of the game, allowing the ace to continue his pursuit of the milestone. The crowd’s anticipation reached a fever pitch as Kershaw took the mound for the sixth inning, ultimately culminating in a moment of triumph.
Statistical Milestones and Career Highlights
Kershaw reached 3,000 strikeouts in 2,787⅓ innings, making him the fourth-fastest player to achieve this feat, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Only Randy Johnson, Max Scherzer, and Pedro Martinez accomplished it in fewer innings.
Kershaw’s career ERA of 2.51 is the lowest in the Live Ball era among pitchers with at least 1,500 innings.
Before the game, Roberts referred to the 3,000-strikeout milestone as “the last box” of Kershaw’s Hall of Fame career, which already includes three Cy Young Awards, 10 All-Star selections, an MVP award, and five ERA titles.
Overcoming Adversity
Kershaw’s journey has not been without challenges. Since 2016, he has been placed on the injured list annually, including last season when he missed the playoffs due to a foot injury. Despite these setbacks, Kershaw has continued to perform at an elite level, maintaining a top-six ERA among pitchers with at least 400 innings since 2021.
After undergoing surgery in the offseason to repair a torn meniscus and a ruptured plantar plate, Kershaw rejoined the Dodgers’ rotation in mid-May. He quickly found his form, stabilizing a rotation that has been without key pitchers like Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.
The Road Ahead
The Dodgers’ 5-4 victory over the White Sox, capped by a ninth-inning rally, added to the celebratory atmosphere at Dodger Stadium. As Kershaw continues his storied career, the Dodgers look to build on their recent success, aiming for another championship run.
Kershaw’s milestone serves as a testament to his enduring skill and resilience, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see what further achievements Kershaw will add to his illustrious career.
