Dodger Legendary Left Pitcher Kershaw hits the career 3,000 strikeouts milestone Magic Digital M12

As Clayton Kershaw approaches the most elite 3000K club in major league history, his peak is returning to the top. In today's 11-5 win over the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw had his best performance of the season: five strikeouts in seven games without conceding a point, just 12 career strikeouts from the 3,000 milestone.

"Maybe it's going to be in September," Kershaw said, "and it's clearly an accomplishment that is now in the spotlight." But how long does it take to get 12 strikeouts? It may drag on until August. "

The Dodgers are aware that the 37-year-old left shot is past its prime. Kershaw didn't make his season debut until May 18 after recovering from surgery on his left toe and knee in the offseason, and his first six starts were up and down.

But today could be the turning point: for the first time since June 21, 2023, he finished seven games without conceding a point, tying Yoshinobu Yamamoto's longest Dodgers starting game this season.

The Giants, who are the most familiar opponents of Kershaw's career (408 strikeouts before the game, 91 more than the second-most Padres), added five K's to the campaign, three of which came from regaining the power of the ball.

Despite the impressive results (no points conceded in seven innings, three hits and one guaranteed five strikeouts), Kershaw was still not complacent: "Maybe personality is the reason, you are never satisfied." There's always a way to fix it – but winning is the ultimate goal. "

"There's no limit to the body," he added, "and it's a good feeling to pitch purely." "

When Kershaw let Casey Schmitt roll out of the game in seven innings, Dodgers fans stood up and cheered. "It's special," Kershaw admits, "and I cherish every moment I have here because I don't know how many opportunities I have left." "