Clayton Kershaw scripts MLB history with 3000th strikeout in Dodgers vs White Sox game

Clayton Kershaw etched his name into baseball history on Wednesday night as he recorded his 3,000th career strikeout during the Los Angeles Dodgers-Chicago White Sox game in Los Angeles.

Kershaw, who came into the game needing three strikeouts to become the 20th pitcher in history to reach 3,000, first fanned ex-teammate Miguel Vargas in the third inning, and then got Lenyn Sosa for the final out of the fifth.

The milestone occurred during the sixth inning as the tall left-handed pitcher, standing at 6-foot-4, struck out Vinny Capra with a slider pitch. This achievement prompted an enthusiastic ovation from the spectators at Dodger Stadium.



Kershaw is now only the third pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters while playing for just one team, joining Walter Johnson (Washington Senators) and Bob Gibson (St. Louis Cardinals). Nolan Ryan is the all-time strikeout leader at 5,714.


Kershaw, three-time National League Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL Most Valuable Player, also became the 20th pitcher in major league history to reach 3,000 in his career and just the fourth left-hander. The others: Steve Carlton, Randy Johnson and CC Sabathia.


“It’s the last box for Clayton to check in his tremendous career,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “He’s never been a person to look for kind of acknowledgment or attention, but he’s earned that whether he likes it or not.”


At 37, Kershaw may no longer overpower hitters like he once did, but his stellar performance over the past month underscores the savvy, resilience, and unwavering determination that only an 18-year veteran can bring.