Clayton Kershaw made a short start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday against the San Francisco Giants, departing after three innings in a contest ultimately dominated by the Dodgers’ offense. Kershaw allowed four runs on five hits, issued four walks, and left the game with the Dodgers facing an early deficit. The Los Angeles lineup quickly erased that gap, recording 17 hits en route to a 13-7 win at Oracle Park.
The victory allowed the Dodgers to maintain their 2.5-game advantage over the San Diego Padres in the National League West. Current odds continue to list the Dodgers as leading World Series contenders, with most projections near 3-1 as the regular season enters its final weeks, and division winners at 3-2, or about he same odds you’d enjoy playing Canadian live dealer games in real time.
The race for the division remains close, with San Diego pressing and Los Angeles looking to secure another division title. While much of the focus is on the standings and postseason positioning, Kershaw’s place in the Dodgers’ season narrative remains significant. His most recent outing did not affect the outcome, but it came months after he became the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball to notch 3,000 career strikeouts.
Reflecting on Kershaw’s Milestones
Kershaw reached the 3,000-strikeout milestone on July 2, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, recording the mark with a slider that struck out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox. More than 53,000 spectators witnessed the milestone, which brought teammates and fans alike to their feet. The Dodgers recognized the benchmark with a tribute video, acknowledging Kershaw’s skill and endurance throughout his long career. The achievement placed Kershaw among the franchise’s most accomplished pitchers.
Kershaw’s Career Numbers
In 18 seasons with Los Angeles, Kershaw has totaled 3,039 strikeouts across 2,844.2 innings. His career rate of 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings reflects his effectiveness and consistency. His highest strikeout rates came in the early 2010s, including a career peak of 11.64 strikeouts per nine innings in 2015. Even as pitching trends shifted and workloads changed, Kershaw has maintained his ability to generate swings and misses while adapting his approach.
The 2025 campaign has seen Kershaw post a 3.53 ERA with 71 strikeouts over 102 innings after Saturday’s start. The Dodgers’ offense proved especially timely against the Giants, turning around a 4-1 deficit early and producing a six-run fifth inning and three more runs in the sixth to seal the win over their main rival.
Standing Among Elite Peers
By reaching 3,000 strikeouts, Kershaw joined a select list that includes Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Greg Maddux. He is only the fourth left-hander and one of a handful to reach the milestone while pitching solely for one franchise. Kershaw stands just behind John Smoltz and ahead of Justin Verlander in career strikeouts. His longevity with one team mirrors the continuity seen in previous Dodger greats.
Elite pitching has been a hallmark throughout the franchise’s history, with Kershaw’s milestone reinforcing that tradition. As the Dodgers continue pursuing another deep postseason run, individual marks such as this add to the immediate narrative and the franchise’s larger story.
Final Month Outlook
The Dodgers head into the final stretch of the regular season bolstered by depth on both sides of the ball. As seen Saturday, the club’s ability to recover from short outings underscores the lineup’s production and a bullpen that has answered in key moments. With the lead in the division still in question and the Padres applying pressure, Los Angeles will rely on seasoned veterans and younger contributors.
Kershaw’s achievements remain a key component of the Dodgers’ season, offering an example of individual accomplishment and the blend of experience needed for a postseason run. As the playoff picture develops, milestone performances and a persistent offense build the team’s prospects. The season’s outcome depends on ongoing production and how well the team navigates close contests in a competitive National League West.
