Dodgers' Kershaw breaks Sutton's franchise strikeout record

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw acknowledges the fans after striking out Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. The strikeout is the 2,697th of Kershaw's career and puts him above former pitcher Don Sutton for most career strikeouts all time with the club. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw breaks Don Sutton's franchise strikeout record

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/1/22

Three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw added another accomplishment to his Hall of Fame resume Saturday night at Dodger Stadium against the Detroit Tigers.

A fourth-inning strikeout of Tigers third baseman Spencer Torkelson was career number 2,697 for Kershaw, pushing him past Don Sutton for the Dodgers' franchise record.

Your new franchise strikeout leader, @ClaytonKersh22. pic.twitter.com/PgJaseUE1I
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 1, 2022

Kershaw, a former MVP, achieved the franchise in 167 fewer games than Sutton.

The 33-year-old is 26th all-time in strikeouts. Kershaw is fourth among active pitchers behind the Kansas City Royals' Zack Greinke (2,815), the Houston Astros' Justin Verlander (3,041), and the New York Mets' Max Scherzer (3,053).

Kershaw has pitched well this season after going 10-8 with a 3.55 ERA a year ago. This season, Kershaw is 3-0, posting a 2.65 ERA with 23 strikeouts.

The seventh overall pick in the 2006 draft, Kershaw is in his 15th season with the Dodgers. Kershaw is 188-84 with a 2.49 ERA in 382 games for Los Angeles.

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