Kemp Backs Up Kuroda's Shutout Game, Dodgers Win 1-0
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Hiroki Kuroda pitched seven shutout innings and Matt Kemp had two hits and drove in the only run and the Los Angeles Dodgers shut out the San Diego Padres 1-0 on Tuesday.
Kuroda (7-13) snapped a four-game losing streak, allowing four hits while striking out eight and walking two. It was his second strong outing in San Diego this season, as he also shut out the Padres in April.
Kemp had two hits and drove in the only run, adding to his NL best RBI total (84) as the Dodgers beat San Diego for a fifth consecutive time. Kemp also made a strong defensive play in the ninth, snaring a fly ball off the bat of Aaron Cunningham.
Mat Latos (5-11) went seven solid innings while yielding one run, but was pulled for a pinch hitter in the seventh.
Mike MacDougal allowed the tying run to reach third base in the eighth after giving up two singles, but recovered to retire the next two batters and preserve the lead.
Javy Guerra converted his ninth save in as many chances with a perfect ninth.
Latos allowed Dee Gordon to reach on a bunt single in the fourth, and Gordon scored on Kemp's first single.
Latos gave up six hits while striking out six, including four of the first nine batters in the game, and did not issue a walk.
The shutout is the Dodgers' 13th of the season, while San Diego has been held scoreless 16 times this year, including nine times at Petco Park.
Blake Tekotte was the lone bright spot for the San Diego offense, collecting three hits in his first game since being recalled from Double-A San Antonio. Tekotte also collected two steals in his second stint in San Diego.
Notes: Will Venable pinch hit in the seventh and remained in the game in left field after not playing since Friday due to back spasms. ... The Dodgers have not announced who will fill the fifth spot in their starting rotation after Rubby De La Rosa went on the DL on Monday and will undergo season-ending elbow surgery. .. Andre Ethier did not play in the game strictly as a day off, according to manager Don Mattingly.
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