Dodgers hold off Diamondbacks, 3-1

AT THE PLATE: The Dodgers scored all their runs in the third inning, when Matt Kemp drove in two runs with a double to right-center and Scott Van Slyke blasted a solo home run to left. Van Slyke made an early departure from the game, as he sprained his right ankle as he fielded a fourth-inning single by Jordan Pacheco. X-rays were negative and Van Slyke said he didn’t think he would be sidelined for long. Van Slyke started in left field in place of Carl Crawford because of his track record against Diamondbacks starter Wade Miley. His home run was his fourth of the season and fifth of his career against Miley. Counting the home run, Van Slyke is eight for 17 in his career against Miley.

ON THE MOUND: Pitching in relief of Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen threw a scoreless ninth inning to record his 100th career save. “That’s a good formula,” Kershaw said. “Any time Kenley comes in the game, you feel confident.” Jansen started his professional career as a catcher and Manager Don Mattingly said he thinks he is still maturing as a pitcher. “Where we’ve seen Kenley grow is confidence,” Mattingly said. Jansen’s save made Kershaw baseball’s first 16-game winner. Kershaw limited the Diamondbacks to an unearned run and six hits over eight innings, lowering his earned-run average to 1.73.

MEDICAL REPORT: Adrian Gonzalez was out of the starting lineup because of a stiff back. The Dodgers had a day off Monday and have another Thursday, meaning Gonzalez will have started only once in the last four days. “I’m hoping to get him over the hump,” Mattingly said. Gonzalez entered the game as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning.

UP NEXT: The Dodgers have a day off Thursday. When they resume play Friday, Dan Haren (11-10, 4.44) will face Andrew Cashner (2-6, 2.43) and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park at 7 p.m. On the air: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.