National Sports.

Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw went toe-to-toe for six innings in a vintage duel Friday night. The 41-year-old Scherzer, pitching for Toronto, made his 465th career start. Kershaw, 37, started his 443rd game — all for the Los Angeles Dodgers over 18 seasons. Once teammates in Los Angeles, both pitchers have won three Cy Young Awards and are likely headed to the Hall of Fame. Kershaw allowed one run and seven hits, striking out four. Scherzer gave up two runs and six hits, striking out five. A two-run homer by Mookie Betts gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. It was the fourth time Scherzer and Kershaw faced each other. Before the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised both pitchers for their competitiveness and unique styles.

Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw are set to square off in a rare matchup on Friday. Both are members of baseball’s 3,000-strikeout club and likely Hall of Famers. The 41-year-old Scherzer and 37-year-old Kershaw have each won World Series titles and are three-time Cy Young Award winners. The game at Dodger Stadium features division leaders, with the Blue Jays leading the AL East and the Dodgers holding a slim lead in the NL West. Scherzer emphasizes the importance of focusing on the game rather than the matchup, saying, “You want a shot at the champs.”