Dodgers' Kershaw becomes 1st pitcher to win NL MVP since 1968

Clayton Kershaw followed up one of the greatest seasons in recent memory with a feat no National League pitcher has accomplished in 46 years.

The Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander added to his hardware Thursday after becoming the first pitcher to win the NL MVP since Bob Gibson in 1968. 

Kershaw received 18 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America to edge Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton and last year's winner Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"I don't know what to say, honestly," Kershaw said on MLB Network after the announcement. "It's unbelievable."

Kershaw took home his third Cy Young in four years Wednesday after pitching to a league-leading 1.77 ERA and throwing a major league high six complete games, including his first career no-hitter. He's only the third pitcher (Dwight Gooden and Pedro Martinez) in the last 43 years to record a FIP under 2.00.

It's the first time a pitcher has accomplished the award sweep since Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander won both prizes in 2011. He's the 18th pitcher all-time to receive the honor.

"To have people think you really mean that much to your team," Kershaw said, "it really is a huge honor for me."

Despite missing more than a month and making just 27 starts, Kershaw led all pitchers with 7.2 WAR, according to FanGraphs. The 26-year-old is the first Dodgers player to win MVP since Kirk Gibson in 1988.

Kershaw's .521 OPS against was the lowest mark in the majors this season.