The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their domination of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night. Their 9-3 win at PNC Park was the ninth straight win by the Dodgers against the Pirates and moved Los Angeles into sole possession of first place in the National League West for the first time since July 13.
Shane Victorino scored two runs and had three hits, including a double, to extend his hitting streak to nine games. Andre Ethier added three singles of his own, and Matt Kemp drove in three runs, including a two-run double.
Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a run-scoring double of his own, and has 21 RBI in 20 games with the Dodgers.
Clayton Kershaw appreciated the support and pitched eight strong innings for his fourth straight win and 11th victory of the season. Kershaw allowed six hits and three runs, but he didn't walk a batter and struck out eight on the night.
Andrew McCutchen, the National League's leading hitter at .358, hit his 24th home run of the season in defeat for Pittsburgh.
The Dodgers go for the sweep on Thursday morning with Joe Blanton facing A.J. Burnett.
For more news and notes on Dodgers baseball, be sure to read True Blue LA. For more news and notes on the Pirates, be sure to read Bucs Dugout and SB Nation Pittsburgh.
