Kershaw, Dodgers best Scherzer, Jays in duel of 3,000-K greats - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw went toe-to-toe for six innings in front of a sellout crowd of 53,825 in a vintage duel Friday night, the first duo in MLB history to start against each other as rookies and accumulate 3,000 career strikeouts

The 41-year-old Scherzer, pitching for Toronto, made his 465th career start. Kershaw, 37, started his 443rd game — all for the Los Angeles Dodgers over 18 seasons.

«Probably a lineup card that I'll keep for my office,» Blue Jays manager John Schneider said.

Once teammates in Los Angeles, both pitchers have won three Cy Young Awards and are likely headed to the Hall of Fame.

«Two great competitors,» Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. «I don't know if you're going to see this one again.»

Competitors.
Friends.
Legends of our game.

Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw swapped jerseys after their historic meeting on the mound. pic.twitter.com/Fs0lhLHqpz

Kershaw (6-2) got the win, allowing one run and seven hits as Los Angeles earned a 5-1 victory. He struck out four and walked one on 74 pitches, 54 strikes. And he stuck around to watch his rival work when the Dodgers were batting.

«Scherz was throwing the ball great. He was throwing like 96 [mph],» Kershaw said. «It doesn't look like he's aged at all.»

Scherzer (2-2) took the loss, giving up two runs and six hits. He struck out five and walked three on 98 pitches, 63 strikes.

«Max had really good stuff,» Roberts said.

Kershaw exited with the Dodgers leading 2-1, thanks to a two-run homer by Mookie Betts in the fifth. It was Betts' first homer since July 5, snapping a 23-game homerless drought — his second longest as a Dodger and longest this season.

The left-handed Kershaw was a model of efficiency in the first