Clayton Kershaw returns to form in Dodgers’ 2-0 win over Phillies

ON THE MOUND: Clayton Kershaw returned from one of the worst starts of his career to pitch six scoreless innings. Twice, he allowed the Phillies to get two men on base before recording an out. Both times, he prevented them from scoring. Brandon League loaded the bases without recording an out in the seventh inning, but left-hander J.P. Howell replaced him and did not allow any of the inherited runners to score. Brian Wilson tossed a perfect eighth inning and Kenley Jansen earned his 14th save.

AT THE PLATE: Dee Gordon reached base on a leadoff single in the first inning, stole second and third base and scored the Dodgers’ first run on a single by Yasiel Puig. The hit was the first of three for Puig, who also drew two walks. Carl Crawford hit a solo home run in the second inning to double the Dodgers’ lead to 2-0.

EXTRA BASES: Shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena made his major league debut, starting in place of Hanley Ramirez, who was given the day off. A childhood friend of Yasiel Puig, the 24-year-old Arruebarrena, from Cuba, played all nine innings, but did not have a single ball hit at him. He struck out three times, but reached base on a fourth-inning walk.

UP NEXT: Dan Haren (5-2, 3.18 ERA) will face the Phillies and David Buchanan (MLB debut) at Citizens Bank Park today at noon PDT. On the air: TV: SportsNet LA; Radio: 570, 1020.