Both Russell Martin and Matt Kemp drove in three runs each to help the Dodgers get a 7-2 victory over the Padres.
The Dodgers led off the first with a run to take a 1-0 lead off Martin’s first RBI-single of the night. Veteran Greg Maddux then held the Dodgers scoreless through six. Down 1-2 in the seventh with two outs, the Dodgers added four runs to take a 5-1 lead. The Dodgers loaded the bases up for Martin, who drove a two-run single for the go-ahead RBI. Matt Kemp then followed suit with a two-RBI single also. The Dodgers added two insurance runs in the ninth. Martin ended up 3 for 5 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.
Clayton Kershaw, facing a pitcher who is over twice his age, pitched a strong 5-plus innings but again failed to take a decision. He allowed just two runs on six hits and had 5 K’s. Proctor, Beimel, Broxton, and Wade then combined to finish the game and hold the Padres scoreless, with Proctor getting the W.
The Dodgers have now won 3 of 4 and will send Chad Billingsley to the mound for the second game of the series. He will face lefty Randy Wolf. Both pitchers are searching for their fifth wins. Andy LaRoche will also be in the lineup tonight, likely replacing James Loney at first because of the lefty matchup.
