Clayton Kershaw continues to struggle in first inning as Dodgers fall again, 5-2
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The good news came before the game when Vin Scully announced he would return next season.
Then the Dodgers sent Clayton Kershaw out to start the first inning, which somehow has become something of a problem.
Kershaw gave up two quick runs, and then aided by Joey Votto’s 29th home run in the sixth, the Reds went on to defeat the Dodgers, 5-2, on Sunday.
The loss dropped the Dodgers 12 games back of the Padres in the National League West and eight games back of the Phillies for the wild card. They have 37 games left to play.
On a hot Sunday afternoon, Kershaw started the game by loading the bases on a Brandon Phillips single and walks to Votto and Jonny Gomes.
Ryan Hanigan bounced a hit up the middle with two outs, and the Reds had a quick 2-0 lead.
The first inning has been a thorn to Kershaw throughout much of the season. In his 26 starts this season, Kershaw has put together a 5.54 ERA in the first inning.
Kershaw settled down after the first and ended up striking out 11 Reds.
The Dodgers scored once off Cincinnati starter Bronson Arroyo in the third when Matt Kemp hit his second home run in two games, sending a solo shot to almost dead center.
The Dodgers tied the game in the fifth. After singles by Casey Blake and Jamey Carroll, A.J. Ellis lined a hit to center to score Blake.
With the acquisition of catcher Rod Barajas from the Mets on Sunday, Ellis is scheduled to return to triple-A Albuquerque when Barajas joins the team Tuesday.
In his last scheduled start before going down, Ellis went 3-for-3.
Yet after the Dodgers tied the game, Votto quickly gave the Reds back the lead when he led off the sixth with his solo home run. He has 29 home runs on the year, third in the N.L.
Kershaw went seven innings for the Dodgers, allowing five hits and five walks in dropping his record to 11-8.
Arroyo (14-7) also went seven innings. He allowed seven hits but did not walk a batter.
The Reds added two final runs against Jonathan Broxton in the ninth. Broxton, who had earned the save Saturday night, loaded the bases on a walk and two singles.
He struck out pinch-hitter Scott Rolen and twice almost had Votto for the third out.
Votto sliced a foul ball just into the seats in left. Scott Podsednik reached into the stands for the catch, but slightly over-extended and the ball went off his arm. Then Votto just got a piece of strike three, but Ellis was unable to hold on to the foul tip.
Votto then won the battle with a two-run single into left.
-- Steve Dilbeck