Dodgers Secure 13th Consecutive Playoff Spot in Kershaw’s Final Home Game

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their 13th straight playoff appearance during the last regular season game at Dodger Stadium for franchise legend Clayton Kershaw. They defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-3 on a Friday night, matching the New York Yankees’ playoff streak from 1995 to 2007, which is now the second-longest in Major League history. The Atlanta Braves hold the record with 14 consecutive playoff appearances from 1991 to 2005.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed pride in this achievement, saying, “It’s a significant accomplishment. It never gets old, and we never take it for granted. A lot of hard work goes into getting there.” Kershaw, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the season, didn’t factor into this win, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing two runs while striking out six batters.

In a reflection on Kershaw’s remarkable career, Roberts emphasized the importance of celebrating milestones while remaining focused on future goals. “We wanted to raise a glass to Clayton on this day and acknowledge what he’s done,” he noted, adding that the next objective is to secure the division title.

Kershaw is set to start again next week against the Seattle Mariners, though there’s no guarantee he will pitch in the playoffs given the depth of the Dodgers’ rotation. He remarked, “I’m looking forward to what the next five or six weeks will look like. We’re stacked on pitching, and I just have to keep doing my job and see what happens.” With a determined mindset, he even stated, “We’re going to win the World Series. I’m ready to do everything I can.”

While the Dodgers have secured a spot in the playoffs, they have yet to lock in the National League West title. They currently lead the San Diego Padres in the standings and are just three wins away from achieving 90 wins for the 12th consecutive year. The Dodgers (87-67) will continue their series against the Giants (76-78) Saturday night at 9:10 PM ET.