Clayton Kershaw becomes first player since 2002 with 300 strikeouts

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw became the first player since 2002 to strike out 300 hitters in a season on Saturday.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw became the first player since 2002 to strike out 300 hitters in a season, fanning Padres outfielder Melvin Upton, Jr. in the third inning of his start on Saturday.

Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, both with the Diamondbacks in ’02, were the last to accomplish the feat. They struck out 334 and 316 hitters, respectively.

Kershaw is the first Dodger to reach the 300-strikeout mark since Sandy Koufax in 1966

Kershaw’s afternoon was finished after 3 2/3 scoreless innings and had seven punchouts.

The Dodgers won the NL West for a third straight season behind Kershaw’s complete-game shutout on Sept. 30.

- Kenny Ducey