Clayton Kershaw moves within three strikeouts of 3,000 in a six-inning gem against the Rockies at Coors Field.
One beautiful thing about baseball is that you get rare opportunities to witness greatness and history in the middle of the Summer. One such event is quickly approaching in LA.
Clayton Kershaw made another step toward history Thursday night, delivering a steady, six-inning performance against the Colorado Rockies and moving to within three strikeouts of 3,000 for his career. The 37-year-old left-hander struck out five and allowed just one run on five hits in the Dodgers’ 3-1 win at Coors Field.
Clayton Kershaw will go into his next start just THREE Ks shy of 3,000! pic.twitter.com/uM3klZREes
— MLB (@MLB) June 26, 2025
The outing improved Kershaw to 4-0 this season and lowered his ERA to 3.03. More notably, it pushed his career strikeout total to 2,997, setting the stage for a milestone moment in his next start, expected to come Wednesday at Dodger Stadium.
Kershaw would become the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 3,000-strikeout mark and the third active pitcher to do so, joining Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
Staying Efficient in Colorado
Pitching at altitude can be difficult, even for a veteran like Kershaw. But he managed the environment effectively, needing just 69 pitches—41 for strikes—across six innings. He notched three strikeouts early, one to end the fifth, and another in the sixth before being lifted from the game.
Afterward, Kershaw acknowledged that he was aware of his proximity to 3,000. “I knew I had eight to go,” he said. “Eight in Colorado is never going to be easy to do. I felt good. Got through six. A chance to strike out three at home would be really cool.”
Manager Dave Roberts noted Kershaw’s efficiency, saying, “He’s competing, making pitches. He’s gotten better each time out, even when he doesn’t have his best stuff.”
Clayton Kershaw today:
6 IP
1 ER
2 H
1 BB
5 KERA down to 3.03 on the season
3 strikeouts away from 3,000 🐐 pic.twitter.com/656smRvG6N
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) June 26, 2025
Kershaw missed the start of the season following offseason surgery but has looked sharp since returning to the rotation in mid-May. In eight starts, he’s consistently delivered quality innings at a time when the Dodgers have needed stability in their rotation.
“He’s given us a shot in the arm,” Roberts said. “We’ve had some injuries, and he’s come in and given us valuable innings.”
Kershaw’s recent outings have been marked by a combination of veteran poise and command. He’s not the power pitcher of earlier seasons, but he still finds ways to succeed. His curveball and slider remain effective, and his ability to mix pitches continues to frustrate hitters.
Home Crowd Likely to Witness History
Assuming his next start comes as expected, Kershaw will have a chance to record career strikeout No. 3,000 in front of a home crowd at Dodger Stadium. It would be a fitting backdrop for the achievement, with fans who have supported him since his debut in 2008.
“It would be very special… a chance to strike out three at home would be really cool.”
Clayton Kershaw (W (4-0), 6.0 IP, 2 H, ER, 5 K, BB) talks with the media after the #Dodgers sweep the Rockies, winning 3-1. He’s now 3 K’s away from 3,000 in his hall-of-fame career.… pic.twitter.com/RXbre6GORd
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 26, 2025
On Thursday, even the Colorado crowd showed appreciation. A portion of the fans at Coors Field gave Kershaw a standing ovation as he walked off the mound after the sixth inning. It was a sign of respect for a pitcher who has built a Hall of Fame résumé over 18 seasons.
Now, the focus turns to his next start. With three more strikeouts, Kershaw will join a list that includes some of the greatest pitchers in the game’s history. It’s a significant accomplishment—and one that now feels just a few pitches away.
