Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw Passes Sandy Koufax On All–Time Strikeout List

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw sped past another impressive name stationed on the MLB’s all–time strikeout list Thursday night.

With his 2,397th put out, the southpaw passed a fellow Dodger and multi–year Cy Young winner, Sandy Koufax. As they have for years now, Kershaw’s strikeout helped the Dodgers win yet another game, pushing their total up to a now league–high at 72. Although not a typical Kershaw gem which involved two six hits and five walks, he managed to extend his now four game winning streak as well. Nobody deemed this an unsuccessful outing for Kershaw however, as his achievement surely out shinned any struggles he endured on the mound.

The Dodgers offense provided the necessary assistance in the effort, granting Kershaw some excessive insurance as they put up eight runs. Most notably, Cody Bellinger contributed to the cause, tallying three RBIs with early home run and late game double. Bullpen pitchers Joe Kelly, Dylan Floro and Yimi Garcia closed things out after Kershaw’s sixth inning exit.

“It was really cool,” said Kershaw who candidly spoke on his accomplishment after the game. “It’s a special thing anytime you get mentioned in the same breath as Sandy. He wouldn’t have been proud of this one, but I’ll try to get better the next one. I can’t even talk about it, it was so bad. I’m just going to move on to the next one.”

Kershaw now holds the 49th spot on the list, tied with former New York Yankee Kevin Brown. Other active pitchers currently sitting ahead Kershaw include C.C. Sabathia, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Zach Greinke, Cole Hamels, and Felix Hernandez.

Keeping the chase on, Kershaw ascends to the mound next likely on Tuesday to face the St. Louis Cardinals.