Dodgers History: Kershaw’s Unmatched Legacy in the Dodgers–Giants Rivalry
He doesn't just pitch against the Giants. He owns them.
LOS ANGELES — In the storied Dodgers–Giants rivalry, few figures have cast a shadow as long as Clayton Kershaw. Since his debut in 2008, Kershaw has evolved into the left-handed nemesis of San Francisco, consistently elevating his game when facing the Orange and Black. There was nothing better than seeing Brandon Belt (.065 AVG with 30 strikeouts in 62 brutal at-bats) flail helplessly against Kersh’s arsenal of pitches or Brandon Crawford (.125 AVG/.310 OPS) return to the dugout with a hangdog expression after being wiped out by a Kershaw slider. Indeed, there seems to be a little something extra in the tank when Clayton faces off against the Dodgers’ main rival. Let’s look at the numbers.
An Ace’s Resume
If Kershaw pitched only against the Giants, he’d win a Cy Young every year. Over 59 outings (57 starts) against San Francisco, Kershaw holds a 26–16 record, accompanied by a lockdown 2.01 ERA and a staggering 402 strikeouts in 393⅓ innings. That strikeout total is the most he’s racked up versus any opponent—proof positive that when Kershaw toes the rubber against the Giants, he’s in his element.
Moments That Define the Rivalry
- April 15, 2009 — In only his second season, the then-21-year-old Kershaw struck out 13 Giants, yielding just one hit over seven brilliant innings.
- Opening Day, 2013 — He delivered not only a complete-game shutout, but also clubbed a solo homer—the only home run of his career—all against San Francisco .
- July 25, 2024 — Following offseason shoulder surgery, Kershaw returned to the mound against the Giants and fanned six batters in four innings, showing he remains potent despite time off.
These performances form just part of a broader tapestry where Kershaw repeatedly outduels San Francisco—often in early-season showdowns or pivotal pennant races.
Why the Giants Fear Him
- Best ERA vs. Any Team — His 2.01 ERA against the Giants tops his career scoring average, underscoring how he shines brightest in this matchup.
- Strikeout Supremacy — The 402 Ks he’s tallied dwarfs his tallies versus any other team, and he still leads this category—all told, the Giants have swung at air more than any team facing Kershaw .
- Longevity & Consistency — Facing the same division foe nearly 60 times over 17 seasons builds both familiarity and intimidation. It’s hard to surprise anybody with that much familiarity, and even harder to surprise him.
Framing His Place in History
That his most frequent foe is also his most tamed one speaks volumes. A 26-win haul, sub-2.10 ERA, and consistent dominance in high-leverage moments have solidified Kershaw as more than just a great; he’s become a living legend in Dodger-Giants lore.
What’s Next?
Entering the 2025 campaign on a one-year deal, Kershaw—once slowed by shoulder, knee, and toe surgeries—returns with a laser-focus, to a Dodgers rotation once deep with talent and now in desperate need of his services. His next Giants start tonight promises not only another marquee moment in L.A.–San Francisco history, but perhaps another chapter in his rivalry dominance.
By the Numbers
| Against Giants | Career Numbers |
|---|---|
| Wins–Losses | 26–16 |
| ERA | 2.01 |
| Strikeouts | 402 in 393⅓ IP |
| Appearances | 59 (57 starts) |
Bottom Line
Clayton Kershaw doesn’t just pitch against the Giants—he owns them. His career numbers encapsulate sustained excellence in one of baseball’s fiercest rivalries. As he inches closer to 3,000 career strikeouts, Dodgers fandom has every reason to see Kershaw’s next Giants outing as potentially historic.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
