Kershaw Nears Strikeout Milestone, Ohtani Homers in Dodgers’ Victory

DENVER: Clayton Kershaw’s pursuit of 3,000 career strikeouts edged closer as he fanned five batters across six innings. Shohei Ohtani contributed with a home run as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 3-1 at Coors Field on Thursday.

Kershaw (4-0) now boasts 2,997 strikeouts over his illustrious 18-year career, leaving him just three shy of becoming the 20th pitcher in major league history to achieve the 3,000 milestone. The veteran left-hander surrendered one run on two hits, issued one walk, and was removed after throwing 69 pitches.

Kershaw is scheduled to make his next start at home against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez stood out, each recording two hits. Tanner Scott secured his 17th save for Los Angeles, completing the three-game series sweep.

Brenton Doyle homered for the Rockies. Tyler Freeman’s 0-for-3 performance ended his 12-game hitting streak.

Doyle initiated the scoring for the Rockies with a solo home run in the second inning, giving them a 1-0 advantage. The Dodgers responded in the third, tying the game 1-1 when Miguel Rojas doubled and Ohtani walked. Following a wild pitch that advanced both runners, Rojas scored on an infield single by Betts.

Austin Gomber pitched five innings, allowing one run on four hits and recording one strikeout.

The Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the sixth against reliever Angel Chivilli (1-3). Betts led off with a double, followed by a walk to Will Smith. Freddie Freeman then singled to right-center field, driving in Betts.

With one out, Juan Mejia struck out Andy Pages and induced a groundout from Tommy Edman to limit further damage.

Ohtani extended the lead to 3-1 in the seventh with a 419-foot home run to right-center. This was his league-leading 28th home run of the season and his second in the three-game series.