Clayton Kershaw Joins Historic Company with Pre-Break Numbers

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, during Sunday's complete game, allowed two runs and struck out 13 batters in a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. In doing so, he joined legends Sandy Koufax, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson as the only pitchers in history to post at least 14 wins, an ERA below 2.50 and a strikeout-per-nine ratio of at least 10 before the All-Star break, per Elias Sports Bureau.

Kershaw also made history in another way Sunday. In addition to earning his seventh straight victory, the 29-year-old became the first pitcher in MLB history to record 13 strikeouts in a complete game using less than 100 pitches, per Jon Weisman of Showtime. Kershaw has recorded double-digit strikeouts for the fourth time in his past five starts as well.

Currently, the dominant southpaw possesses a 14-2 record with a 2.18 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and a 10.8 strikeout-per-nine ratio.

Elite numbers are nothing unusual for Kershaw—a 10-year veteran who's claimed the ERA title four times. In addition to his three Cy Young awards, he's secured an MVP, a pitching Triple Crown and a Gold Glove. He also boasts an impressive career 2.35 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.

All signs are pointing to another historic season for Kershaw in 2017. Should he continue to produce at or near his current rate, he could go down as one of the best pitchers in MLB history.