The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated Tylor Megill and the New York Mets on Tuesday night.
Clayton Kershaw was behind the pitching masterpiece that resulted in the 5-0 victory.
Over seven innings, he surrendered three hits, no walks, and no runs while striking out nine en route to the third win of his season and the 200th of his storied career.
By doing so, the legendary left-hander joined an exclusive club in franchise history.
Last night, @ClaytonKersh22 joined an exclusive list of @Dodgers legends. pic.twitter.com/NDlo4MICJV
— MLB (@MLB) April 19, 2023
Kershaw joined the Dons, Sutton and Drysdale, as the only pitchers in franchise history with 200 wins or more.
Getting 200 wins in these times should be seen as quite the accomplishment, as starters throw fewer and fewer innings with each passing year.
Kershaw did it with only 88 losses and a lifetime 2.48 ERA.
He has already punched his ticket to Cooperstown with his incredible numbers and awards.
We are talking about a nine-time All-Star, a three-time Cy Young award winner, and a National League MVP.
There is a strong case to be made that Kershaw is already the best pitcher in Dodgers history.
He has, per FanGraphs, 73.9 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), the highest mark in franchise history.
The second-placed hurler, Sutton, has 64.
Sandy Koufax is widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in history.
He had a 2.76 ERA with the Dodgers, and Kershaw is at 2.48.
If he remains healthy and pitches a couple of additional seasons beyond 2023, he has a good chance of surpassing Sutton’s 233 career wins.
Lots of things would need to happen to reach that point, though.
For now, let’s all enjoy greatness, because it’s right before our eyes every time Kershaw takes the ball.
NEXT:
Clayton Kershaw Is Chasing An MLB Legend
