Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (37) performed well with 1 run allowed in 6 innings, but he left the game after throwing only 69 pitches. He had only 3 strikeouts left for the coveted milestone of 3000 strikeouts, which was a romantic consideration from manager Dave Roberts to challenge for the historic achievement during the home game at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw started the away game against the Colorado Rockies in Major League Baseball held at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, on the 27th (Korean time), throwing 6 innings, allowing 2 hits (1 home run), 1 walk, and 5 strikeouts, leading the Dodgers to a 3-1 victory.

The only run allowed was a solo home run hit by Brenton Doyle in the 2nd inning as he finished the 6 innings with 69 pitches. He threw more sliders (30 pitches) than his four-seam fastball (26 pitches) with a maximum speed of 90.3 miles (145.3 km) and an average of 89 miles (143.2 km), mixing in 12 curveballs and 1 splitter.

With his 4th win of the season, Kershaw continued his undefeated streak, lowering his earned run average from 3.31 to 3.03. He has become the winning pitcher in 4 consecutive games, reminiscent of his prime with an average of 1.57 during this period. He struck out 21 batters in 23 innings, raising his career strikeout total to 2997. The 20th career milestone of 3000 strikeouts in Major League Baseball is imminent.

In this game against Colorado, Kershaw, with only 8 strikeouts remaining until 3000, recorded 5 strikeouts until the 6th inning. With only 69 pitches and the weak Colorado lineup, he could have easily recorded 3 more strikeouts. Although Kershaw's pitching was good, the Dodgers decided to bring in Kirby Yates starting in the 7th inning.

According to local media, including MLB.com, after the game, manager Roberts noted, "If he gets just 3 more strikeouts, it becomes a historic moment. If Kershaw achieves the record while wearing a home uniform, it would be truly wonderful. Kershaw's family and friends will be watching. I really look forward to it," explaining that there was a purpose behind the challenge for the historic record at home. Before the game, manager Roberts also said, "I want Kershaw to experience that moment in front of the home fans," adding, "The last hurdle for him to enter the Hall of Fame is 3000 strikeouts. We are all looking forward to that moment and waiting for it."

Kershaw also expressed after the game, "It’s never easy to strike out 8 batters at a hitter-friendly place like Colorado. Still, I managed well for 6 innings, and since the team won, I am quite satisfied," adding, "If I can achieve 3000 strikeouts at Dodger Stadium, it would truly be special." According to the starting rotation schedule, Kershaw will challenge for the milestone on the 3rd of next month against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.

A total of 19 pitchers have recorded 3000 strikeouts in Major League Baseball. Among them, only 3 players have recorded 3000 strikeouts with one team: Walter Johnson (Washington Senators, 3509), Bob Gibson (St. Louis Cardinals, 3117), and Steve Carlton (Philadelphia Phillies, 3031). Except for Carlton, who played for 6 teams, the only one-club pitchers with 3000 strikeouts are Johnson and Gibson. Kershaw is in his 18th season with the Dodgers since 2008.

Among active players, only Justin Verlander (San Francisco Giants, 3468) and Max Scherzer (Toronto Blue Jays, 3412) have surpassed 3000 strikeouts. The pitcher closest to 3000 strikeouts after Kershaw among active players is Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves, 2528), but considering his age of 36, it will not be easy.

In today's baseball, where injuries to pitchers are frequent and pitch management is strictly enforced, achieving 3000 strikeouts is not easy. Dodgers outfielder Andy Pahes commented, "No one will do it after Kershaw. The future is unpredictable, but today's baseball has many injuries, making it a really difficult record to achieve."

As Kershaw approaches the historic milestone, he is currently performing at an ace level for the Dodgers. After undergoing surgery on his left knee and big toe last season, he began the season in mid-July after rehabilitation and is progressively improving. Manager Roberts praised him, saying, "Successful players often stick to their own style. As they age, everything gradually falls behind, but Kershaw does not cling to his ways. He is still looking for ways to maintain his good form."

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