Dodgers defeat Reds; Kershaw achieves 5-0 record in August, tying Scherzer’s career win total

Clayton Kershaw started and threw only 72 pitches over 5 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 run, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-3 home victory over the Cincinnati Reds, solidifying their lead in the National League West. The 37-year-old left-hander has won all 5 of his starts in August.

This three-time Cy Young Award winner perfectly balanced pitch count and winning streak in August, today tying the career wins record of 221 held by Houston Astros legend Joe Niekro and current pitcher Max Scherzer. He struck out 6 batters in the game, with his only run allowed in the first inning: Reds leadoff hitter Spencer Steer hit a double, followed by a hit from Elly De La Cruz after two outs, and a run scored on an infield grounder by Miguel Andujar. Afterwards, Kershaw retired 14 consecutive batters.

The 11-time All-Star lefty, who began his season only in mid-to-late May due to post-surgery recovery, has pitched 28.2 innings in 5 starts this August with an ERA of just 1.88 and a perfect 5-0 record, improving his personal stats to 9 wins, 2 losses, and a 3.06 ERA overall.

Beyond his pitching, Kershaw’s wins were also backed by strong offensive support: in the bottom of the first with two outs, Mookie Betts drew a walk, then Freddie Freeman followed with a double to tie the game; in the fourth inning with runners on first and third, Enrique Hernández hit a sacrifice fly to give the team the lead; and in the sixth, Will Smith’s solo home run capped off a big inning with 9 batters, 5 hits, and 4 runs to secure the victory.

Shohei Ohtani continued as the starting leadoff designated hitter, going 1-for-4 with 1 RBI in the sixth inning, also striking out twice and drawing one walk. His batting line slightly dipped to .278/.389/.612, with a total of 45 home runs and 85 RBIs. The Dodgers recorded 10 hits spread across 8 players, with 7 of the 9 starters getting at least one hit, except Betts and Alex Freeland.

This win ensured the Dodgers clinched the series and, with a same-day victory by the San Diego Padres, they maintain a one-game lead atop the National League West. The Reds dropped to 68-65 after consecutive losses, sitting third in the National League Central, 15 games behind the league-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Additionally, with the New York Mets winning today as the third wild card team, the Reds’ gap to the playoff line widened to 3.5 games.