The Los Angeles Dodgers jumped on starting pitcher Jason Hammel early and often, beating the Colorado Rockies 8-2 at Coors Field on Friday night. Rod Barajas hit a three-run home run in the third inning, and Tony Gwynn Jr. delivered a solo home run in the fourth as the Dodgers built early leads of 6-0 and 7-1. Hiroki Kuroda pitched six innings for his second straight win.
Kuroda won while allowing any runs for the first time since April 24. Kuroda on the season has a 2.88 ERA with nice peripherals, yet even with the win Kuroda's record stands at just 9-14. Kuroda allowed two runs, while striking out five.
It was the second home run in as many games for Barajas, who is second on the Dodgers with 12 home runs. Barajas left the game after grounding out the top of the sixth inning, diagnosed with a mild right groin strain. Barajas and Gwynn each have two home runs through the first half of the club's 10-game road trip, while no other Dodgers have gone deep.
Hammel allowed six runs for the loss, and has been hammered by the Dodgers this season. In four starts, Hammel has allowed 20 runs in 17 2/3 innings, with 11 walks and seven strikeouts.
Matt Kemp struck out three times for the second straight game, including on a check swing in the ninth inning. Kemp was ejected by first base umpire Ted Barrett for arguing the check swing call, specifically yelling from the dugout.
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