The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1 tonight, their eighth win against the Padres in ten games, on the strength of a two run Mark Ellis home run. Matt Kemp went 2-4 in his first game back from injury, launching a double on his first at bat off the injured list. Andre Ethier had a quieter return, getting no hits but getting on base once via a hit by pitch.
Clayton Kershaw went six innings, giving up six hits and one earned run along with three walks and six strikeouts. It wasn't Kershaw's best night, and he seemed to be pitching to contact, but luckily for him the damage was limited to one run with the Padres bats ineffective with men in scoring position.
In the bottom of the sixth, Kershaw was pinched for Tony Gwynn Jr. who used his speed to get on base via the bunt single; then a fielder's choice put Jerry Hairston on first instead of Gwynn. Mark Ellis came up with one man on and one out to launch a fly ball home run into the old Mannywood section in left field to put the Dodgers up by one run.
The Padres got their run in the top of the second inning. Recent call up Yasmani Grandal doubled off Kershaw on a play where Kemp looked hesitant to dive at a fly ball with his hamstring still under repair. Kemp deflected the ball back to Luis Cruz with his knee. Grandal was eventually able to come in and score on a series of ground outs.
Kenley Jansen came in to get the save in the ninth, walking one but getting the rest of the outs in the field. Both Javy Guerra and Ronald Bellasario were credited with holds after taking over the game from Kershaw.
For more on this game, check out True Blue LA.