Howie Kendrick stays hot at the plate, but Dodgers fall to White Sox in exhibition game

Highlights of the Dodgers’ 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch.

AT THE PLATE: Howie Kendrick continued to club the baseball this spring with two hits, including an RBI double off White Sox ace Chris Sale. He raised his Cactus League average to .476. After missing a week due to groin soreness, Kendrick looks just fine, according to Manager Dave Roberts. “The way he’s been moving around, honestly, the last week and a half has raised our comfort level,” Roberts said. “He’s swinging the bat well. I guess we can look at him as a regular player now.” Kendrick started at third base. He and Chase Utley will continue to start there on days when Justin Turner rests this spring. Alex Guerrero contributed his second home run of the spring.

ON THE MOUND: Clayton Kershaw matched Sale across five innings. Each pitcher allowed two runs. Kershaw struck out four but gave up six hits. His spring ERA is 1.80. “Gave up a few hard-hit balls, but some bloopers that fell in, too,” Kershaw said. “Overall, I feel like I’m on a decent progression.” The game was decided when Kenley Jensen yielded a two-run homer to White Sox infielder Tyler Saladino in the seventh.

EXTRA BASES: With the Dodgers playing a split-squad game Sunday, Roberts will stay with the team at home as they host the Padres. Scott Kazmir will start against the Brewers on the road, while Mike Bolsinger starts at Camelback Ranch. The team wants Kazmir to avoid facing a division rival this close to the regular season.

UP NEXT: San Diego on Sunday, 1 p.m. PDT at Camelback Ranch. On the air: SportsNet LA; Radio: 1150. Milwaukee on Sunday, 1 p.m. PDT at Maryvale Baseball Park. On the air: MLB.TV.