Baseball Highlight: Scherzer vs. Kershaw Clash Tonight in LA
On August 8, 2025, the baseball world will witness a historic event as two future Hall of Famers, Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw, face each other for the fifth time in their illustrious careers. This matchup, which will take place at Dodger Stadium, promises to be a highly anticipated showdown between two of the greatest pitchers of our time.
A Brief History of Their Rivalry
Their first encounter came on September 7, 2008, when both Scherzer and Kershaw made their MLB debuts in the same game. Despite Scherzer striking out more batters, neither pitcher earned a decision in what was a memorable rookie outing for both.
In the postseason, Kershaw has emerged victorious, earning a win in the 2016 NLDS against the Washington Nationals. Their most recent regular season encounter was on July 9, 2021, where Scherzer pitched well but the game ended in a win for Kershaw.
Career Highlights and Accolades
Both Scherzer and Kershaw are members of the exclusive 3,000 strikeout club, with Kershaw currently sitting at 19th and Scherzer at 20th. They have also amassed impressive career accolades, including multiple Cy Young Awards, no-hitters, and World Series rings.
Scherzer has won three Cy Young Awards in 2013, 2016, and 2017, while Kershaw has three wins in 2011, 2013, and 2014. Scherzer has also achieved the feat of having the most consecutive seasons with 230 or more strikeouts (8).
Kershaw, in addition to his stellar pitching career, has also been recognised as the NL MVP in 2014. Scherzer, on the other hand, has two no-hitters in his career.
Betting Trends and Game Details
The upcoming game between Scherzer and Kershaw is generating significant interest among bettors. According to ESPN Bet, Scherzer 9+ strikeouts (+900) is the second most-bet player prop in the game by total handle, while Scherzer 5+ strikeouts (-220) is the fourth most-bet prop. At FanDuel, nearly 80% of bets are on the Blue Jays to win tonight.
The game time is set for 10:10 p.m. EST, and the Dodgers, currently hanging onto first place in the National League West with a record of 66-49, will be looking to maintain their lead against the first-place Blue Jays in the American League East, who boast a record of 68-48.
The Dodgers have struggled since July 1, with a record of 13-17, while the San Diego Padres, who made significant moves at the trade deadline, are two games behind the Dodgers.
The First Take: First Inning Odds Boost
ESPN BET is offering an odds boost for the First Take: First Inning, with Scherzer & Kershaw each to record a strikeout in the first inning, boosted from Even to +135.
Injury Concerns for Kershaw
While Kershaw has been a dominant force in the league, he has had to deal with lingering injury issues, including during last season's Dodgers' World Series run.
Scherzer's Journey to the Blue Jays
Scherzer signed a one-year $15 million deal with the Blue Jays last off-season but missed the first few months of the season due to a thumb injury. He has since returned to form, contributing significantly to the Blue Jays' success.
Looking Ahead
As the two legends take the mound on August 8, 2025, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching this historic matchup. With their impressive careers and competitive history, this game promises to be a thrilling spectacle of pitching excellence.
[1] MLB.com - Scherzer vs Kershaw history
[2] Baseball-Reference.com - Scherzer vs Kershaw stats
[3] ESPN.com - Scherzer vs Kershaw game 8/8/2025
[4] Sports Illustrated - Scherzer vs Kershaw rookie debut
The upcoming game between Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw, two of the greatest pitchers in MLB sports betting history, is generating significant interest among sports bettors. Scherzer, now pitching for the Blue Jays, and Kershaw, the Dodgers' ace, have a storied rivalry that dates back to their rookie days in baseball. ESPN Bet is offering an odds boost for the First Take: First Inning, with Scherzer and Kershaw each to record a strikeout in the first inning, boosted from Even to +135. Despite Kershaw's lingering injury concerns, this game promises to be a highly anticipated showdown between these two Hall of Famers. Fans can follow the action on August 8, 2025, as these baseball legends face each other once more on the field.
