Clayton Kershaw nears 3,000 K's in the Dodgers' win over the Rockies on June 26, 2025. See how Kershaw, Freeman, and Betts led LA to victory. History awaits.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some nights are just about the win. Others are about witnessing history. On Thursday, Dodgers fans got a bit of both. Clayton Kershaw took the mound and did what he does best: dominate. While the Dodgers secured another victory against the Rockies, all eyes were on the King as he moved tantalizingly close to one of baseball's most sacred milestones.
Clayton Kershaw struck out 5 Rockies batters, putting him on the cusp of 3,000 career strikeouts.
From the first pitch, there was a different energy in the air. Every two-strike count felt like a potential moment. Kershaw delivered, punching out five Colorado batters and bringing his career total to the doorstep of 3,000. While he did surrender a 394-foot solo shot to Brenton Doyle in the second inning, Kershaw was largely in control, showcasing the vintage command that has defined his Hall of Fame career. The win was sweet, but the anticipation for his next start is even sweeter. History awaits.
A legendary pitching performance is great, but you still need runs to win. The Dodgers' offense made sure Kershaw's effort wasn't wasted. Freddie Freeman came through with a clutch RBI single, continuing his steady production. Later, it was Mookie Betts hustling out an infield single that plated Miguel Rojas and pushed Shohei Ohtani to third, manufacturing a key run. It wasn't an offensive explosion, but it was exactly the kind of timely, opportunistic hitting that wins ballgames.
Behind the scenes, the Dodgers' front office continues to manage a pitching staff hit hard by injuries. The team welcomed back a familiar face, reinstating RHP Luis García from the 15-day IL to bolster the bullpen. To make room, RHP Will Klein was optioned to Triple-A. Meanwhile, the long-term recovery list remains a focus. Positive news sees Brusdar Graterol resuming throwing with a potential September return, and both Kyle Hurt and River Ryan are back working on the mound after their respective surgeries. Unfortunately, Gavin Stone and Michael Grove remain out for the season, a stark reminder of the depth being tested this year.
With another win in the books and a historic milestone on the horizon for their ace, the Dodgers are building momentum. All attention now shifts to Kershaw's next start, which could be a date with history. As the team continues to get healthier and the bullpen pieces shift, they're proving they have the resilience and talent to keep grinding toward October, one milestone at a time.
