Clayton Kershaw becomes second-quickest pitcher to reach 2,000 strikeouts
Clayton Kershaw became the second-quickest pitcher to reach 2,000 career strikeouts Friday when he punched out four batters in the first two innings against the Brewers.
Kershaw, 29, reached the milestone in 277 games. Only Randy Johnson (262 games) reached the feat quicker. Kershaw is behind only Johnson and Pedro Martinez in innings pitched before recording 2,000 strikeouts.
Brewers second baseman Jonathan Villar was the victim of strikeout No. 2,000 for Kershaw.
2⃣,0⃣0⃣0⃣. pic.twitter.com/q3rb4PNRdJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 3, 2017
Kershaw is the fourth Dodgers pitcher to reach 2,000 strikeouts. Don Sutton (2,696), Don Drysdale (2,486) and Sandy Koufax (2,396) are all in the Hall of Fame.
Highlighted by a 301-strikeout season in 2015, Kershaw has been one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB since his arrival in 2008.
MORE:
Clayton Kershaw struggles, but Dodgers still complete sweep of Cubs
Kershaw is now 78th all-time on the strikeout list, and still over 3,700 strikeouts behind Nolan Ryan. His four strikeouts Friday tied him with former Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes. Next on the list would be Hall of Famer Catfish Hunter, who retired with 2,012 strikeouts.
Following Friday's 14 strikeouts over seven innings, Kershaw will need just three Ks in his next outing to pass Hunter.