Dodgers shut down Royals, 2-0

KEY MOMENT: After Clayton Kershaw got the first out in the first inning, Eric Hosmer singled. That ensured Johnny Vander Meer would remain the only pitcher in major league history with consecutive no-hitters.

AT THE PLATE: Justin Turner, leading off for the first time this season, started the game with an 11-pitch at-bat that ended in a triple. Adrian Gonzalez, who drove him in, has driven in at least one run in six consecutive games and leads the Dodgers with 47 runs batted in, one more than Hanley Ramirez and two more than Yasiel Puig. Andre Ethier, who did not start because the Royals started a left-hander, singled in the insurance run as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning. Ethier is four for eight as a pinch-hitter this season, with five RBIs.

ON THE MOUND: Kershaw extended his streak of consecutive scoreless innings to 21. He worked eight innings, making a season-high 108 pitches and giving up six hits, all singles, and one walk. He struck out eight batters. In June, he has struck out 48 batters and walked two, with a 5-0 record and 0.97 earned-run average. Closer Kenley Jansen struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning; he has faced 142 batters and struck out 55.

HANLEY RAMIREZ HURT AGAIN: For the second time in two weeks, Ramirez was out of the Dodgers lineup because of an irritated joint in his right shoulder. Ramirez was treated with a cortisone shot when the injury last surfaced, and the shortstop returned after sitting out two games. For now, the Dodgers do not plan injections or additional testing for Ramirez, although either could happen “if this thing persists,” Manager Don Mattingly said. Tuesday’s game marks the seventh this season in which Ramirez has not started because of injury — three for this shoulder injury, three because of a bruised calf and one because of a bruised thumb.

ALEX GUERRERO IS BACK: Infielder Alex Guerrero has reported to Camelback Ranch in Phoenix to resume baseball activities, General Manager Ned Colletti said. Guerrero appeared to be on the verge of promotion to the major leagues when catcher Miguel Olivo bit off part of his left ear in a May 20 dugout brawl at triple-A Albuquerque. The ear was saved through surgery, and Colletti said Guerrero’s return to the field will depend on how long it takes him to regain his conditioning. Guerrero was batting .376 for Albuquerque, with six home runs in the five games preceding the incident.

FUTURE STARS: Albuquerque outfielder Joc Pederson, the Dodgers’ top prospect, suffered a right shoulder injury after diving for a ball. Mattingly, to whom the Dodgers delegate the release of all medical information, said he had no specific information about the injury. He said Pederson accompanied the Isotopes back home and would be examined in Albuquerque on Wednesday. … Left-hander Julio Urias, 17, and shortstop Corey Seager, 20, were selected for the Futures Game. Urias and Seager are teammates at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.

UP NEXT: Dan Haren (7-4, 3.62 ERA) faces the Royals’ James Shields (8-3, 3.70) on Wednesday at 5:10 p.m. PDT at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium. TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.