Saturday's two strikeouts give Kershaw 2,970 for his career. He is 30 strikeouts away from becoming 20th pitcher in the 3,000-strikeout club and only the fourth lefty, joining Hall of Famers Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton and CC Sabathia.

Clayton Kershaw paused halfway up the dugout steps Saturday and bowed his head. The jog he was about to make to the mound at Dodger Stadium would be the first steps of what is likely the final chapter of his spectacular career.

For Kershaw, this game was about more than just the result; it was an emotional moment: “I love being back out there, it’s a special thing.”