Clayton Kershaw capped off his illustrious career with a remarkable performance, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on October 1, 2023. In what may have been his final Major League Baseball appearance, Kershaw held the Mariners scoreless until the sixth inning, demonstrating the skill and poise that have defined his career.
Before the game at T-Mobile Park, Kershaw shared emotional moments with his family, receiving hugs from his wife and four children, along with greetings from long-time pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and friend A.J. Ellis. As he walked towards the dugout, Kershaw was visibly moved, wiping away tears as he prepared for his last start.
A Fitting Farewell
In his final outing, Kershaw allowed just four hits while striking out seven batters. He faced a challenging lineup and navigated through the game with precision. After striking out Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh to conclude the fifth inning, manager Dave Roberts sent him out for the sixth. There, Kershaw struck out Eugenio Suarez before being replaced, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as he exited the mound.
The game also featured significant contributions from Kershaw’s teammates, notably Hyeseong Kim and Freddie Freeman, who hit two-run home runs. Additionally, Shohei Ohtani made headlines by hitting his 55th homer of the season, further solidifying his status as a premier player in the league. The Dodgers’ victory marked their 93rd win of the season, securing a strong finish as they prepare for the postseason.
Looking Ahead to the Postseason
With the regular season concluded, the Dodgers are set to host either the Cincinnati Reds or New York Mets in a best-of-three Wild Card Series starting on October 3, 2023, at Dodger Stadium. The first pitch for the initial two games is scheduled for 18:08 PT.
Roberts confirmed that Kershaw will not be included in the Wild Card Series roster, as his workload of 94 pitches during the game makes it unlikely for him to be available for relief. This decision raises questions about Kershaw’s future with the team, as he concludes an era with a career marked by incredible achievements.
As Kershaw looks toward the Baseball Hall of Fame in five years, his legacy is firmly established. He has pitched 2,855.1 innings, started 451 games, and recorded 223 wins, alongside 3,052 strikeouts. His career ERA stands at 2.53, the second-lowest for any pitcher with over 2,000 innings since 1920, and he boasts the highest winning percentage of any pitcher in that same timeframe.
As Kershaw exits the field for potentially the last time, he does so with the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of baseball.
