The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago White Sox 5-4 on a Freddie Freeman walk-off on Wednesday night. It was a historic Wednesday at Chavez Ravine, which saw Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw reach 3,000 strikeouts. After the game, the future Hall of Famer gave a champagne toast to the teammates who helped him reach the milestone.

“You know, individual accomplishments are only that. If you're by yourself, it doesn't mean anything,” Kershaw said. “You don't have anyone to celebrate with. So to have this group around me, to care as much as you did, for Freddie [Freeman] to remind me every day how many strikeouts I have left, for everybody just to be as excited for me to get to do this, that's the biggest thing for me.”

Kershaw pitched six innings, allowing nine hits and four earned runs and striking out exactly three batters. He ended the start with 3,000 punch-outs on the nose before handing it over to the bullpen. They were losing 4-2 when Kershaw left the game, but the Dodgers came back to win it in the bottom of the ninth.

The Dodgers ace could be the final pitcher to ever reach 3,000 strikeouts. Because pitchers don't go as deep into games and Tommy John surgery is so prevalent, it is only getting harder. Braves' starter Chris Sale is the closest active pitcher with 2,528.

The Dodgers drafted Kershaw seventh overall in 2006 and have benefited from all 18 seasons of his Hall of Fame career. His three Cy Young Awards and MVP in 2014 made him a Cooperstown lock years ago. But his longevity has gotten him to 3,000 strikeouts, a group of just 20 pitchers that serves as an automatic pass, likely on the first ballot.

The Dodgers have now won 17 of their last 22 games and are cruising in the NL West. Kershaw can be a part of his third World Series team in LA, further cementing his legacy.

More Los Angeles Dodgers News
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run during the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers news: How many innings will Shohei Ohtani pitch in next outing?Benedetto Vitale ·
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May (85) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Dodger Stadium.
Dustin May’s Dodgers performance draws honest Dave Roberts admissionColin Loughran ·
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) homers to left center field in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts breaks slump with left field bombJosh Davis ·
Jun 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a single against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Freddie Freeman continues to terrorize White Sox with 2nd run-scoring doubleMike Gianakos ·
Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) flies out to Chicago White Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (23) in the bottom of the first inning at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez hits career milestone vs. White SoxJosh Davis ·
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning of game two of a doubleheader at Rate Field. Harlan
Predicting Dodgers’ next big trade before deadlineZachary Howell ·