Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw admits how difficult it was for him to reach 3,000 career strikeouts on Wednesday night.

On a night that said plenty about the 18-year relationship between Kershaw and the Dodgers and Kershaw and the fan base, the left-hander showed why he stands alone among the 20 names on the list.

Dodger Stadium pulsed with anticipation and jubilation as Clayton Kershaw struggled before finally reaching the 3,000 career strikeout milestone.