Clayton Kershaw didn’t make franchise history but the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres, 10-2, to take two of three in the series at Petco Park.
Kershaw entered the day needing seven strikeouts to pass Don Sutton for most in Dodgers history. His slider didn’t have its usual consistency and Kershaw largely pitched to contact over his five innings of work.
Kershaw finished at three strikeouts and now is just four away from passing Sutton for most in Dodgers history.
He exited with the Dodgers holding a commanding lead thanks to Freddie Freeman and Cody Bellinger combining for three home runs.
Freeman’s two-run blast in the third inning put L.A. ahead 3-0 and earned him more “Freddie” chants from Dodgers fans who traveled south to San Diego. Freeman’s third home run of the season came on his wife’s birthday and with his father in attendance.
Left-handers entered the game 0-for-12 this season against Sean Manaea. One inning after Freeman did so, Bellinger also bucked the trend by lining a solo home run out to straightaway center field in the fourth inning.
After a Chris Taylor sacrifice fly against Dinelson Lamet in the fifth inning, Bellinger clubbed a three-run homer to break the game opened. That also marked the 11th time in 15 games this season the Dodgers have scored at least three runs in a single inning.
For Bellinger, it was a 14th career multi-home run game and his first since Aug. 11, 2021.
Betts bounces back
Betts started the weekend series with a multi-home run game, only to follow that by going 0-for-4 with five strikeouts. He took blame for the Dodgers’ loss in extra innings and responded Sunday by going 1-for-3 with three runs scored and two walks.
Dodgers all-time strikeout leaders
1. Don Sutton: 2,696
2. Clayton Kershaw: 2,693
3. Don Drysdale: 2,486
4. Sandy Koufax: 2,396
5. Dazzy Vance: 1,918
6. Fernando Valenzuela: 1,759
7. Orel Hershiser: 1,456
8. Johnny Podres: 1,331
9. Ramon Martinez: 1,314
10. Bob Welch: 1,292
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