Clayton Kershaw continues his path to 3,000 strikeouts in the Major Leagues and got close this Friday in the Dodgers' 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Kershaw earned the victory, his third of the season, after throwing 5.0 innings, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts on 78 pitches (45 in the strike zone).

The Dodgers left-hander has 2,992 career strikeouts, so he needs only 8 more to join the 3,000 strikeouts club.

Kershaw has a 3-0 record with a 3.31 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 7 appearances this season.

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Facing an injury-plagued pitching staff, Kershaw has been able to provide security and quality in his 18th season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Clayton Kershaw looks to become just the fourth pitcher to achieve 3,000 or more strikeouts in Major League history.

Randy Johnson (4,875), Steve Carlton (4,136) and CC Sabathia (3,093) are the only left-handed pitchers to reach 3,000 strikeouts. All three are Hall of Famers.

Dodgers rely on Miguel Rojas to win against Washington

Venezuelan Miguel Rojas hit a two-run homer for the Los Angeles Dodgers to lead the Dodgers to a victory over Washington.

Puerto Rican Kiké Hernández contributed two doubles and scored two runs, and Japanese Shohei Ohtani added an RBI single for the champions of the last World Series.

Los Angeles has won six of seven, improving to 6-2 during its 10-game homestand.

Kershaw (3-0) allowed only home runs to Amed Rosario and Riley Adams but held Washington to five hits and repeatedly escaped trouble.

Tanner Scott gave up a home run to CJ Abrams with one out in the ninth en route to completing his 15th save.

MacKenzie Gore (3-7) allowed a season-high six runs, including five earned. He also received seven hits and issued four walks.