The Los Angeles Dodgers go for the series win against the San Diego Padres tonight, as two right-handed pitchers face off. The Dodgers are looking to extend a 10 game win streak against the Padres at Dodger Stadium, which dates back to the first of May, 2011. Since then, the Dodgers have gone 18-4 overall against the Padres and 8-2 so far in 2012.
Last night, the San Diego took an early 1-0 lead over Los Angeles in the second inning. That lead was erased by a 2 run home run by Mark Ellis in the sixth inning as the Dodgers held on to win 2-1. Clayton Richard of the Padres was tagged with the loss for giving up the home run despite lasting longer than his counterpart Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw only gave up the one run in six innings of work, and was pulled so Tony Gwynn Jr. could lead off in the bottom of the sixth. Gwynn used a bunt to get on first base then was brought in by the Mark Ellis home run, earning Kershaw the win.
Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier made their returns last night. Kemp was the only dodger to have a multi-hit game, while Ethier only reached base via being hit by the pitch. Tonight, against right-hander Edison Volquez, Ethier might have better luck. Kenley Jansen closed last night and got the save; his 16th in 19 opportunities.
The Giants won last night, so the Dodgers maintained their 0.5 game lead in the NL West. The Diamondbacks weren't as fortunate, losing two to the Cubs so far this weekend to drop them to 5.5 games back.