### Dodgers' Kershaw Approaches Milestone as Team Secures Victory Clayton Kershaw, the veteran left-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is on the brink of a significant career milestone as he approaches 3,000 career strikeouts. In a recent game against the Colorado Rockies on June 26, 2025, Kershaw struck out five batters over six innings, contributing to the Dodgers' 3-1 victory. This performance brings him just three strikeouts away from the prestigious 3,000 mark, a feat achieved by only a select few pitchers in Major League Baseball history. The game also featured Shohei Ohtani, who hit his 28th home run of the season, further solidifying the Dodgers' offensive strength in this matchup [https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-clayton-kershaw-e6a56498ffb6613424c6863ffc60eb34][https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-rockies-score-138969e72975e5359e03d8f9452adca3]. ### Breakdown of Kershaw's Recent Performance and Team Success 1. **Kershaw's Strikeout Milestone** - Kershaw's five strikeouts against the Rockies bring his career total to 2,997, positioning him just three strikeouts shy of 3,000 [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jun/26/dodgers-left-hander-clayton-kershaw-strikes-five-moves-closer-3000]. 2. **Game Highlights** - The Dodgers secured a 3-1 victory, completing a series sweep against the Rockies. Kershaw allowed only one run on two hits during his six innings of work [https://www.dailybreeze.com/2025/06/26/clayton-kershaw-closes-in-on-3000-ks-as-dodgers-sweep-rockies]. - Shohei Ohtani's contribution with his 28th home run was pivotal in the game, showcasing the team's offensive capabilities [https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-rockies-score-138969e72975e5359e03d8f9452adca3]. 3. **Kershaw's Recent Form** - This performance follows Kershaw's previous outing where he also moved closer to the milestone, having struck out several batters in his last few games, including a win against the Washington Nationals [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/clayton-kershaw-continues-march-toward-051147090.html]. ### Supporting Data on Kershaw's Career Progression - **Career Strikeouts**: - Current Total: 2,997 - Strikeouts Needed for 3,000: 3 - **Recent Game Performance**: - Innings Pitched: 6 - Strikeouts: 5 - Hits Allowed: 2 - Runs Allowed: 1 - **Team Performance**: - Recent Wins: 3 consecutive victories, including the last two against the Nationals and Rockies [https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-06-20/dodgers-clayton-kershaw-strikeouts-nationals]. ### Conclusion: Kershaw's Path to 3,000 Strikeouts In summary, **Clayton Kershaw is on the verge of a historic achievement as he approaches 3,000 career strikeouts**, a milestone that underscores his longevity and skill in Major League Baseball. His recent performance against the Rockies not only highlights his individual prowess but also contributes to the Dodgers' ongoing success in the season. The combination of Kershaw's strikeout capabilities and the team's overall performance, including contributions from players like Shohei Ohtani, positions the Dodgers as a formidable force in the league. 1. Kershaw is just three strikeouts away from 3,000. 2. The Dodgers won 3-1 against the Rockies, completing a series sweep. 3. Kershaw's recent form has been strong, with multiple strikeouts in recent games. This trajectory not only enhances Kershaw's legacy but also excites fans as they anticipate his next outing [https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/clayton-kershaw-strikes-out-5-moves-closer-to-3000-career-strikeouts-in-dodgers-3-1-sweep-of-rockies/3733447][https://www.dailybreeze.com/2025/06/26/clayton-kershaw-closes-in-on-3000-ks-as-dodgers-sweep-rockies].