Clayton Kershaw paused halfway up the dugout steps Saturday and bowed his head. The jog he was about to make to the mound at Dodger Stadium would be the first steps of what is likely the final chapter of his spectacular career.

In his first Dodgers start since last August, Kershaw’s shaky opening gave way to flashes of the pitcher he’s always been, in a game that reminded everyone what he still means to the franchise.

Saturday's two strikeouts give Kershaw 2,970 for his career. He is 30 strikeouts away from becoming 20th pitcher in the 3,000-strikeout club and only the fourth lefty, joining Hall of Famers Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton and CC Sabathia.