Kershaw Reaches 3,000 Strikeouts as Dodgers Rally Past White Sox in Walk-Off Win

By: Christian Monreal

Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium was packed with anticipation and history as the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Chicago White Sox. All eyes were on veteran ace Clayton Kershaw, who entered the game just three strikeouts shy of reaching the 3,000 mark, a milestone that only 19 other pitchers in MLB history have achieved.

Kershaw ran into trouble early, allowing three hits and a run in the first inning to give the White Sox a 1-0 lead. But the Dodgers answered quickly. Will Smith launched a solo homer to left field in the bottom half of the first to tie the game 1-1. One inning later, rookie Andy Pages smashed a home run to center, putting the Dodgers up 2-1.

Kershaw’s struggles continued into the third inning, where he gave up a home run and multiple hits as the White Sox jumped ahead 4-2. Still, Kershaw kept chasing history. He struck out former Dodger Miguel Vargas in the third inning, then sat down Lenyn Sosa in the fifth, leaving him just one strikeout away from the historic milestone. In the sixth, facing his final batter, Kershaw froze Vinny Capra with a signature slider for strikeout number 3,000. The crowd erupted into a six-minute standing ovation.

“This was such a special night,” said Kershaw after the game. “Hearing the fans and feeling that energy, I'll never forget it.” With that strikeout, Kershaw became just the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 3,000-strikeout club.

Still trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers mounted a comeback. A hit and two walks loaded the bases with one out. Shohei Ohtani grounded into a force play that scored a run, making it 4-3 and advancing the tying run to third. Mookie Betts followed with a sacrifice fly to even the score at 4-4. Then, with two on and two out, Freddie Freeman delivered a walk-off single to bring in Ohtani and seal the 5-4 win.

“What a way to end it, with Freddie coming through in the clutch,” Kershaw said on a night he’ll remember forever.

The Dodgers continue to ride a magical start to the 2025 season, capping off a historic night with a dramatic comeback. With the win, they extend their lead in the NL West to 8.5 games and will look to complete the sweep of the White Sox before hosting the Houston Astros this weekend.