The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night to unfortunately put a damper on Clayton Kershaw making franchise history in the fourth inning.
Kershaw passed Don Sutton for first place on the Dodgers’ all-time strikeouts list, a moment that was celebrated with a long standing ovation. Kershaw becoming the new Dodgers strikeout king was also recognized with a video released by the team moments after the left-hander reached 2,697 career strikeouts.
Daron Sutton, Skip Schumaker, A.J. Ellis, Orel Hershiser, Fernando Valenzuela, Jaime Jarrín and Vin Scully each recorded congratulatory messages for Kershaw. Ellis, who shares a close relationship with his former Dodgers teammate, also joked about never striking out against Kershaw.
Scully drew a parallel between the future Hall of Famer and fellow beloved Dodgers lefty Sandy Koufax.
Special messages for 22. pic.twitter.com/uKnQeoxzzQ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 1, 2022
Kershaw finished his night at 2,700 strikeouts, becoming just the 26th pitcher in MLB history to reach that benchmark.
Although he is usually pitching with a laser-like focus, the 34-year-old allowed himself to soak in the moment as Dodgers fans remained on their feet. Kershaw twice stepped off the mound and tipped his cap to the sold-out crowd.
“It’s special. I didn’t expect it,” he said of the fans’ adoration. “I understand the Dodgers are a historical franchise and been around a long time, so guys that are on that list that I was fortunate enough to pass, it’s a big deal.
“But I didn’t know fans would know or honestly care that much. So it was special for me. It really was. It was cool to see. I tried to kind of brush it off and keep going, but they wouldn’t let me. It definitely meant a lot, for sure.”
Roberts’ message to Kershaw
After Kershaw received another standing ovation as he walked off the field after completing six innings, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sat with the three-time Cy Young Award winner for a brief conversation.
It was to inform Kershaw that his night had come to an end, but more importantly, Roberts wanted him to appreciate the accomplishment.
“It was a very special night for him and his family. These great moments don’t happen very often,” Roberts said. “We’re in the middle of a big league ballgame, but I just felt to let him know, you’re out of the game, exhale and enjoy this great moment.”
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