Hiroki Kuroda shook off a pair of bad starts and a lingering neck problem to pitch six strong innings Friday night, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Kuroda allowed two runs in six innings, striking out seven, picking up his career-high 12th win.
The Dodgers broke open a 3-2 lead with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases, and a force play ground ball by Dee Gordon brought home the first run of the inning. James Loney followed with a three-run home run off the top of the right field wall, the first career pinch-hit home run for Loney.
Gordon had two singles, two stolen bases, and two runs scored on the night. The rookie shortstop is hitting .348/.358/.424 with 11 runs scored, nine stolen bases, and seven multi-hit contests in 15 games this month since returning from the disabled list.
Ted Lilly starts Saturday night for the Dodgers, facing former Dodger James McDonald.
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