The Dodgers started off their Saturday night by pitching three scoreless innings to secure victory in the resumption of Friday's suspended game. They ended the night with nine more shutout innings, as Hiroki Kuroda led the Dodgers to a 4-0 win over the Padres at Petco Park. It was the second straight win for the Dodgers, who are 5-3 on the season.
Kuroda was brilliant for 8 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out four Padres. The Dodgers used six relievers in the suspended game, and since Saturday was the second of 20 games in 20 days for the Dodgers, they needed Kuroda to pitch deep into the game. And pitch deep is what Kuroda did, delivering the longest outing of the season by a Dodger starter.
Jonathan Broxton secured the final out of the game, a grounder to third that led to a runner's interference call on Chase Headley of the Padres. It was the second save of the day, even if not technically (the suspended game was technically a Friday game). The last Dodger to save two games in one day was Jeff Shaw, who picked up two saves at Wrigley Field on August 25, 2000.
The Dodger outfield led the offense. Tony Gwynn, who got the game-winning hit in the first game, picked up two more hits in the nightcap to go with two steals and two runs scored. Matt Kemp got three hits and three steals, a new career high. Andre Ethier had three hits of his own, including a home run, his first of the season.
John Ely will be recalled before Sunday's game, to start the series finale as the Dodgers go for the sweep. The Dodgers will need to make a corresponding roster move to accommodate Ely's inclusion on the active roster. Aaron Harang will start for the Padres.
For more news and information the Dodgers or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.