Clayton Kershaw nears 3000 strikeouts in Dodgers’ win vs. Nationals and shares postgame message on his performance

In a milestone-filled night at Dodger Stadium, future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw added another masterful performance to his legendary career as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Washington Nationals 5–2. Kershaw’s dominant outing moved him to within striking distance of the elusive 3,000 career strikeouts, placing him among the most elite pitchers in Major League Baseball history.

Returning from a long rehab stint following offseason shoulder surgery, the 36-year-old southpaw looked vintage—commanding the mound with pinpoint precision, an icy stare, and a curveball that defied physics. With each pitch, Kershaw inched closer to becoming only the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 3,000-strikeout club—a benchmark that cements a pitcher’s place among the game’s immortals.

Facing a youthful Nationals lineup, Kershaw pitched 6.2 innings, allowing just four hits, one earned run, and recording nine strikeouts—bringing his career total to 2,987.

He opened the game by striking out CJ Abrams with a signature sweeping curve, the kind that has haunted hitters for over a decade. By the third inning, fans started doing the math. The murmurs around the stadium grew louder with every punchout. When he struck out Keibert Ruiz with a slider in the sixth inning for No. 2,986, the crowd roared in anticipation.

Though Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulled Kershaw before he could reach the milestone on this night, the lefty’s performance reminded everyone why he remains the spiritual heartbeat of the franchise.

“He looked sharp, determined, and in full control,” said Roberts postgame. “It felt like 2014 all over again.”

In the postgame press conference, a calm and humble Kershaw addressed the looming milestone with his characteristic modesty.

“I’m grateful to still be out there competing,” Kershaw said. “After everything with the shoulder, being back on the mound and feeling good again is a win in itself.”

When asked about the 3,000-strikeout mark, he smiled and shrugged.

“Honestly, it’s never been a number I chased. But now that it’s close, I recognize how special it is. There’s a lot of great names on that list. Just to be mentioned with them is an honor. I’m just glad we got the win tonight.”

As for when he might get No. 3,000, Kershaw was noncommittal but focused: “It’ll happen when it happens. I just want to help this team win another title.”

Kershaw’s career has long been defined by consistency, dominance, and integrity. With three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, ten All-Star selections, and a World Series title (2020), the left-hander has been the face of the Dodgers’ golden era since debuting in 2008.

He led the National League in ERA for five consecutive seasons (2011–2015) and has posted a career ERA under 2.50—virtually unheard of in the modern era. His strikeout-to-walk ratio remains among the highest of all time.

Only a handful of left-handers have reached the 3,000-strikeout mark: Randy Johnson, CC Sabathia, and Steve Carlton among them. Kershaw is now poised to join that short list.

What makes his journey even more remarkable is the physical adversity he’s faced in recent years. Back issues, shoulder inflammation, and the taxing wear and tear of a 17-year career have slowed him down. Yet his reinvention as a craftier, location-first pitcher has extended his dominance.

“It’s not about velocity anymore,” said Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. “It’s about intelligence, grit, and mastering every inch of the plate. That’s what Clayton’s become—a surgeon out there.”

Kershaw’s teammates were visibly emotional postgame, with many expressing how much his milestone means to the entire clubhouse.

“He’s the ultimate competitor,” said catcher Will Smith. “Calling games for him is like working with a genius. You learn something new every inning.”

Mookie Betts added, “He’s not just one of the greatest pitchers of all time—he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. We all wanted him to get 3,000 tonight, but we know it’s coming. It’s just a matter of time.”

Rookie right-hander Gavin Stone, who has credited Kershaw as a mentor, was beaming. “Every young pitcher in this organization wants to be like him. To share a rotation with a living legend? That’s special.”

When Kershaw records his 3,000th strikeout—possibly in his next start—it will add yet another chapter to his unparalleled Dodgers legacy. He will become the first player in franchise history to reach the milestone while wearing only Dodger blue, joining an elite class that includes Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, and Fernando Valenzuela.

“Clayton is already an icon,” said Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis. “But 3,000 is that final stamp—the one that puts him in Cooperstown without debate.”

Koufax, who remains close to the organization and to Kershaw personally, sent a message through the team congratulating him on his pursuit.

“You’ve done it the right way,” Koufax’s note read. “I’m proud to see you carry the torch.”

The Dodgers, currently leading the NL West, are counting on Kershaw not just for his on-field performance but for his leadership during what many believe could be another World Series run.

With a rotation that features Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Bobby Miller, the return of a healthy and effective Kershaw adds championship pedigree and postseason experience.

“He raises everyone’s game,” said Roberts. “Having him back, pitching like this, it’s like adding a future Hall of Famer midseason—which is exactly what it is.”

Kershaw is expected to make his next start in five days at home, meaning Dodger fans could witness strikeout No. 3,000 on home turf. Tickets for that game are already surging in price, and the Dodgers are reportedly preparing a tribute in anticipation of the milestone.

What separates Kershaw beyond the stats is his humility. Despite the fanfare, he has never chased individual accolades, always redirecting attention to the team and to his faith.

“It’s all God’s grace,” Kershaw said quietly postgame. “I’ve been blessed with more than I deserve. I just want to keep pitching as long as I can.”

The left-hander has also left a lasting impact off the field through Kershaw’s Challenge, the charity foundation he and his wife, Ellen, launched in 2011. The organization has funded education, healthcare, and community support programs in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic.

Fans at Dodger Stadium on the night of the Nationals game were treated to a classic Kershaw outing—and they knew it. Chants of “Kersh! Kersh! Kersh!” broke out during his final inning on the mound. Many held homemade signs: “King Kersh,” “Chasing 3,000,” and “Vintage 22.”

“It was electric,” said longtime season ticket holder Lupe Garcia. “You could feel the energy, the respect. We were all holding our breath, hoping to witness history.”

On social media, Dodgers fans flooded platforms with tributes and memes celebrating Kershaw’s pursuit of 3,000. One post went viral showing a split-screen of Kershaw’s first career strikeout in 2008 and his latest in 2025—aging gracefully, but still devastatingly effective.

As Clayton Kershaw inches toward one of baseball’s greatest individual milestones, the story becomes about more than numbers. It’s about a pitcher who has evolved without losing his edge. A competitor who has maintained his humility. A Dodger who has become, in every sense, timeless.

3,000 strikeouts is just a number. But for Kershaw—and the fans who have watched him for nearly two decades—it’s the exclamation point at the end of a masterpiece.