Highs and Lowe’s

Derek Lowe told this one on himself. As he sauntered through the clubhouse Friday afternoon, he pointed out the Dodgers had lost every game he had pitched this season and won every game he had not.

No longer need he worry that the Dodgers might go 0-for-Lowe. He delivered one of the finest performances of his career Friday night, a three-hit shutout in a 4-0 victory over the San Diego Padres before 51,816 at Dodger Stadium.

On a glorious night for the Dodgers, they saluted the legacy of Jackie Robinson, then donned Brooklyn caps and jerseys to honor the 1955 World Series champions. This year’s Dodgers own the best record in the major leagues, 7-2, their best start since 1983. And Lowe sure looks good in blue, at least in Brooklyn blue.

“I just want to let you guys know it’s going to be Jackie Robinson Day every time I pitch,” Lowe said.

He pitched the second shutout of his career, the first since a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays three years ago. He also drove in two runs for the first time since, he said, “probably when I was 9.”

And he got support from Jeff Kent and Milton Bradley, who hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning. The game was particularly memorable for Bradley, but not so much because he homered on his 27th birthday, or because the bleacher crowd chanted his name when he returned to the outfield.

He had the privilege of escorting Robinson’s widow, Rachel, onto the field for a pregame ceremony. He believed, in some way, from somewhere, that Robinson shared in the joy of the evening.

“I don’t really believe in ghosts and all that,” Bradley said, “but I felt his spirit out there with me, a little bit.”

Lowe smiled his way through a rough week and emerged victorious. A ball hit him on the right arm in his previous start and on his right calf Friday, but neither caused any damage.

He endured what he considered ridiculous criticism from ESPN analysts for slipping a Red Sox jersey over his street clothes during Boston’s World Series ring ceremony Monday -- what, should he have worn a Dodger jersey to thrill the Fenway faithful?

And he dominated on Friday. The Padres got three hits, all singles, and one walk. They got one runner past first base.

“Tonight boiled down to way too much Derek Lowe,” Dodger Manager Jim Tracy said.

Lowe threw 108 pitches, getting 17 outs on ground balls and five on fly balls. In an era when the complete game is an endangered species, Tracy said he saw no reason to remove Lowe.

“When I see a guy pitch that way and dominate an opponent like that, that’s his game,” Tracy said.

Lowe drove in one run in the first eight years of his career, all in the American League, where the bat is taken away until interleague play.

But he drove home Bradley twice, on a single in the second inning and a force play in the sixth.

For the seventh time in nine games this season, the Dodgers were winners. For the first time in three games, Lowe was a winner.

“I’m just happy to be on the board,” he said.