LOS ANGELES – Facing a shortened pitch count, Clayton Kershaw didn't waste any time going after his 300th strikeout.
He struck out seven of the 13 batters he faced to become the first pitcher in 13 years to reach the mark, while the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-3 Sunday to close the regular season on a four-game winning streak.
"It's definitely a cool thing," Kershaw said. "Obviously not the most important thing in the world. If my pitch count got there and I didn't have 300, I would have come out. Being fresh for the playoffs is more important than 300 strikeouts."
Kershaw finished with 301 strikeouts.
Associated Press
