Kershaw vs Scherzer: MLB Legends Duel, Dodgers Beat Blue Jays

Duel of Legends: Scherzer and Kershaw Revive Rivalry on the Diamond

In an epic encounter that will be etched in the memory of fans, Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw faced off in a pitching duel that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The clash between these two baseball legends took place in front of a crowd of 53,825 spectators in a completely full stadium. This matchup marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time in MLB history that two pitchers who debuted as rookies faced each other and have accumulated 3,000 strikeouts in their careers. Scherzer, 41 years old and pitching for Toronto, made his 465th career start. On the other hand, Kershaw, 37 years old, made his 443rd start, all with the Los Angeles Dodgers over 18 seasons.

I’ll probably keep the lineup card for my office.

John Schneider, Blue Jays manager

Both pitchers, who were teammates in Los Angeles, have won three Cy Young awards and are strong candidates for the Hall of Fame.

Two great competitors. I don’t know if we’ll see this again.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

Kershaw took the victory, allowing one run and seven hits. He struck out four batters and gave up one walk in 74 pitches. He stayed to watch his rival on the mound while the Dodgers were batting. Scherzer suffered the loss, allowing two runs and six hits. He struck out five and walked three in 98 pitches. Kershaw left the game with the Dodgers leading 2-1, thanks to a two-run home run by Mookie Betts in the fifth inning. This was Betts’ first home run since July 5th, breaking a 23-game homerless streak, his second-longest as a Dodger and the most extensive this season. Kershaw was efficient in the first inning, retiring the Blue Jays with only 11 pitches. The Dodgers responded quickly in the bottom of the inning. Shohei Ohtani and Betts hit back-to-back singles before Davis Schneider robbed Will Smith of a possible three-run home run with a catch in left field. Scherzer walked Max Muncy to load the bases before striking out Teoscar Hernández to end the inning. Scherzer retired the side in the second and third innings. Kershaw struggled in the second inning, when a single by Addison Barger drove in Bo Bichette, giving Toronto a 1-0 lead. With a runner on first, Dodgers rookie second baseman Alex Freeland made a catch in right field for the third out of the fifth inning. A relieved Kershaw smiled and pointed to the sky with his index finger.

This is the fourth time Scherzer and Kershaw have faced each other. The first time was unexpected. Hall of Famers Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux were retired on September 7, 2008. Their replacements were rookies Scherzer, then 24 years old, and Kershaw, then 20, who did not get a decision.

Kershaw improved to 3-1 with a 3.54 ERA in five career starts against Scherzer, including the playoffs. Kershaw is one of two starting pitchers, and the only active one, who has beaten Scherzer three times in his career (Kevin Correia is the other).

He’s had an incredible career. It’s a great moment that we’re facing each other again. He’s an incredible teammate. I have all the respect in the world for what he does on and off the field.

Max Scherzer

Roberts managed Scherzer when the Dodgers acquired him in the second half of the 2021 season, when he became the nineteenth pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts. Kershaw became the twentieth member of the 3,000-strikeout club in July at Dodger Stadium.

It’s great that Scherz was the guy right before me to reach 3,000. I got to play with him, I got to compete against him, basically throughout our entire careers. I don’t know if it’s our last year, but it’s surely near the end. It’s been a fun journey.

Clayton Kershaw