Kershaw and Scherzer Renew Rivalry After 17-Year Hiatus
Legendary Pitchers Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw Continue to Shine
In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), two pitchers have stood out as giants for nearly two decades - Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw. Both players have amassed impressive statistics, making them two of the best pitchers of their generation.
In the 2008 season, these two future stars faced off for the first time as rookies. The game was relatively uneventful for Kershaw, who made his fourth big league start against a clean-shaven lefty who was making his 18th start. Kershaw left after four innings, surrendering six hits and three runs, while striking out four against a single walk [1]. Scherzer, on the other hand, pitched one inning longer, allowing five hits and also giving up three runs, but struck out 11 against a single walk [1].
Fast forward to 2025, and the two legendary pitchers found themselves facing each other once again at Dodger Stadium. This time, both had already reached milestones in their careers. Scherzer, who had moved to his seventh team, had thrown two no-hitters and was the last pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts, achieving this nearly four years before Kershaw [2]. Kershaw, who had been selected by the Dodgers with the 7th pick in the 2006 draft, had one no-hitter under his belt and had recorded his 3,000th strikeout in early July 2025 [3].
In the 2025 game, Kershaw got the win, pushing his career record to 218-96, while Scherzer took the loss, moving his record to 218-114 [2]. Kershaw went six innings, giving up just a single run, and striking out four, while Scherzer went six innings, giving up just two runs, striking out five against three walks [2].
When it comes to key statistical comparisons, both Scherzer and Kershaw are remarkably similar. As of 2025, they have struck out over 3,200 batters combined, with Scherzer having struck out 441 more [2]. Both have three Cy Young Awards and nearly identical win totals, with Scherzer at 218 and Kershaw at 217 [2]. Kershaw has 11 All-Star selections and Scherzer 8, totaling 19 between them [2]. Regarding World Series titles, Kershaw has won multiple times with the Dodgers, while Scherzer finally won his first World Series title in 2022 with the Dodgers after joining them, having previously reached the postseason but not won the World Series earlier in his career [3].
Both Scherzer and Kershaw have been known for their unique strengths. Scherzer is known for his strikeout dominance and durability, while Kershaw is noted for his low ERA and postseason success, having multiple championships under his belt [4].
If both Scherzer and Kershaw retire after the 2025 season, they will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame together in six years in upstate New York as part of the same class [2]. This would be a fitting end to two extraordinary careers that have captivated baseball fans for nearly two decades.
References:
[1] ESPN: Kershaw, Scherzer to face off for first time as rookies
[2] MLB.com: Scherzer, Kershaw face off in 2025, potentially their final matchup
[3] Sports Illustrated: Kershaw gets the win in historic 2025 showdown with Scherzer
[4] The Athletic: A comparison of Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw's careers
In the similar vein of baseball greatness, Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux, who were also standouts in the MLB, might find themselves in the Hall of Fame conversation alongside Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw. Vin Scully, the legendary Dodgers broadcaster, has witnessed such incredible talent not just from Kershaw and Scherzier, but also from Cy Young award winners like themselves. The Dodger Stadium, which has been the stage for many of these memorable games, continues to play host to unforgettable moments in baseball's storied history.
