Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw Reflects on Passing Sandy Koufax on All-Time Win List

With his 22nd start of 6+ innings in 22 chances in 2019, Clayton Kershaw improved to 13-2 and made Dodgers history along the way. The lefty became the franchise leader in wins for left-handed pitchers with 166 all time, passing the great Sandy Koufax.

The LA offense erupted on Tuesday night against the Toronto Blue Jays as Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernandez returned to the lineup, helping secure the 16-3 victory.

Kershaw spoke to the media following the win and shared his thoughts on passing Koufax.

"It's an honor for me just to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sandy…"@ClaytonKersh22 tells @TimNeverett what it means to pass Sandy Koufax with his 166th career win with the #Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/iVt1mGGuaw

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 21, 2019

“It’s special…what Sandy means to this organization, what Sandy means to me personally, it’s an incredible thing. Something I never thought was going to happen…obviously, not the most important thing in the world…something that just helps me look back on it when it’s all said and done, just be thankful I get to be here this long.”

Clayton on the Koufax comparisons throughout his career.

“It’s an honor for me. Just to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sandy, I’ve always said is a special thing, and what he was able to accomplish in his career, would have gone a lot longer if he was playing today, probably, because he could have gotten healthy, but it’s just a special thing.”

Moreover, Kershaw went on to explain that he’s less interested in personal accolades and more focused on the task at hand, “right now, we’ve got a single goal here, and that’s to be the last team standing.”

While he did complete 6 innings, Clayton was not exactly happy with his performance on the night. He allowed 3 solo home runs, bringing his season HR total to 18 in 2019.

His manager Dave Roberts added his thoughts.

Dave Roberts applauds @ClaytonKersh22 for passing Sandy Koufax in all-time wins and credits the #Dodgers offense for making it difficult on the Toronto pitching staff all night. pic.twitter.com/tA2OuLzfJE

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 21, 2019

“I think he was navigating tonight…but, as Clayton does, with what he has that particular night, he still finds a way to get outs, put up zeros, and give our club a chance to win.

Dave on Kershaw eclipsing Sandy Koufax:

“That’s quite an accomplishment. Congratulations to Clayton.”

Congratulations indeed. And thank you, Kersh.