LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw had his scoreless-innings streak snapped at 41, but the Los Angeles Dodgers ace went the distance with a three-hitter in a 2-1 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night before 50,332 fans at Dodger Stadium.
Chase Headley’s solo home run to left with two outs in the sixth ended Kershaw’s impressive run, the longest one since Brandon Webb compiled 42 consecutive scoreless frames in 2007, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Kershaw’s streak is the third best in Los Angeles Dodgers franchise history, trailing only Orel Hershiser’s major league record of 59 scoreless innings and Don Drysdale’s mark of 58. It’s the fifth longest in the expansion era (since 1961), with Kershaw tied with Luis Tiant. Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals had a string of 47 scoreless in 1968.
Kershaw received a standing ovation after the Headley home run and another one when he struck out left fielder Carlos Quentin to end the inning. Kershaw struck out 11 and walked one.
First baseman Adrian Gonzalez brought home shortstop Hanley Ramirez on a sacrifice fly with two outs in the sixth to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Ramirez had reached third by hitting a single, stealing second and advancing to third on a throwing error by San Diego catcher Yasmani Grandal,
San Diego starter Odrisamer Despaigne (2-1) allowed two runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and no walks in seven innings.
Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig led off the fourth inning by hitting a line drive off the leg of Despaigne that bounced into shallow left field. By the time Padres left fielder Quentin retrieved the ball, Puig had cruised into second base for a stand-up double. Center fielder Scott Van Slyke blooped a single to right to score Puig for a 1-0 Los Angeles lead with two outs in the inning.
NOTES: Dodgers LF Carl Crawford was activated from the 15-day disabled list Thursday after missing 40 games with a left ankle sprain. Crawford will serve as a reserve. The Dodgers’ outfield is set with Matt Kemp starting in left, Andre Ethier and Scott Van Slyke sharing time in center and Yasiel Puig playing right. To make room for Crawford, the Dodgers designated 1B Clint Robinson for assignment. … Padres OF Chris Denorfia entered Thursday’s game batting .310 with three home runs, two doubles, four RBIs and eight walks in 34 at-bats against Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw. … San Diego 1B Tommy Medica left the game in the bottom of the second with right groin tightness.