The Los Angeles Dodgers went into Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants hoping to have a celebratory night in recognition of Clayton Kershaw’s career and also in position to officially secure a spot in the postseason.
Doing so was going to require a Dodgers win or loss by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Controlling their own destiny got off to a bumpy beginning as Kershaw surrendered a leadoff home run in the first inning.
He wasn’t overly sharp but managed to limit the Giants to two runs while collecting six strikeouts over 4.1 innings. Kershaw exited the game to a prolonged standing ovation from the sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium.
He didn’t factor into the decision but the night wound up ending in triumph. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks shortly before the Dodgers completed their win over the Giants.
A special toast for Kersh. pic.twitter.com/fxTk4Y6oXg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 20, 2025
"This has to be the most important six weeks of our lives…because we have what everyone wants." pic.twitter.com/mRnfqcASMB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 20, 2025
That allowed for a celebratory mood inside the clubhouse, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts led a champagne toast for Kershaw and also in recognition of the team qualifying for October baseball.
“I wanted to make sure we raised a glass to Clayton on this day, his career, and then kind of acknowledge what we’ve done this year to get to the postseason,” Roberts said. “And that was about it. We understand there is a long way to go.”
While the Dodgers held a muted celebration — like they have in the past, saving the more elaborate festivities for winning the National League West — Roberts nevertheless is mindful of the team’s accomplishment thus far.
“It never gets old, never take it for granted. It takes a lot of hard work to get there. It’s certainly not a rite of passage for any club,” Roberts said. “That’s one step. The next step is to win this division, so we’ve still got some work to do. And once we do that, then we can focus on the postseason.
“But just to know we earned a ticket, an opportunity, is great.”
That sentiment was echoed by Mookie Betts, who combined with Shohei Ohtani to hit back-to-back home runs in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win.
“It feels great,” he began. “It’s the reason why we play. We’ve still got to win the division, so still have something to play for.”
Clayton Kershaw appreciates Dodgers fans
Kershaw has preferred to shy away from attention and praise throughout his storied career, but one constant under that is his appreciation for Dodgers fans.
“I think just having them behind me the way they have been, it’s just been nice and so amazing. Dodger Stadium is a super special place, and the fans are the main reason why,” Kershaw said. “They continue to come out, support us, be here, every night it’s 50,000 people.
“I wish I had better words other than I’m just so honored and thankful to hear those ovations. I’ll never take that for granted.”
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