The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants delivered a classic showdown at Dodger Stadium Friday night, but the real story was the emotional farewell to a baseball legend: Clayton Kershaw. The three-time Cy Young winner made what could be his final regular season start at home, and both teams—and fans—rose to the occasion.
Kershaw’s Last Stand: A Night for the Ages
Friday’s game wasn’t just another chapter in the storied Giants-Dodgers rivalry. It was a celebration of Kershaw’s Hall of Fame career. The Dodgers ace, who announced Thursday he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, took the mound at Dodger Stadium for what may be the last time in front of his home crowd.
Before the first pitch, the Giants sent a heartfelt message to Kershaw:
“A remarkable competitor and one of the game's greats. Congratulations on a legendary career, Clayton Kershaw.” The tribute was a rare moment of unity between two bitter rivals, underscoring the respect Kershaw commands across the league.
Kershaw has faced the Giants more than any other team, with 62 career regular season appearances, a 27-16 record, and a dazzling 2.08 ERA against San Francisco. He’s struck out 415 Giants batters over 407.1 innings, notching five shutouts and six complete games—numbers that cement his legacy as a Giant-killer.
Dodgers Edge Giants in Tense Opener
The Dodgers (86-67) held off the Giants in a nail-biter Thursday night, surviving a wild game in which their pitching staff issued 10 walks but managed to escape with a win. The victory shrank the Dodgers’ magic number as they chase another postseason berth, while the Giants continue to fight for a Wild Card spot.
Friday’s matchup was all about Kershaw, but the stakes remain sky-high for both teams. The Giants are desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Dodgers are looking to lock up the division and send their ace out on top.
Rivalry Renewed: What’s Next?
The Giants-Dodgers rivalry is one of baseball’s oldest and fiercest, and this series has added emotional weight with Kershaw’s impending retirement. The Giants’ public show of respect was a classy move, but don’t expect any love lost once the first pitch is thrown.
With the postseason looming, every game counts. The Dodgers are eyeing another deep October run, while the Giants are fighting to extend their season. Kershaw’s farewell tour adds a layer of drama that even Hollywood couldn’t script.
Takeaways and What to Watch
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Kershaw’s legacy: Few pitchers have dominated a single rival like Kershaw has the Giants. His career numbers against San Francisco are staggering.
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Playoff implications: The Dodgers are closing in on a playoff spot, but the Giants are still in the hunt. Every game in this series could swing the postseason picture.
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Rivalry respect: The Giants’ tribute to Kershaw shows that even in the most heated rivalries, greatness is recognized.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on Dodger Stadium. Will Kershaw get one more postseason moment? Can the Giants spoil the party? One thing’s for sure: baseball fans are witnessing history.
Sources
1. Rival Giants Send Message to Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw for Last Home Start
2. Giants vs. Dodgers Probable Starting Pitchers - Sept. 13
3. Giants @ Dodgers September 19, 2025: Clayton Kershaw makes his final regular season start at Dodger Stadium
4. 2025 Willie McCovey Memorial Community Prospect List No. 4
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