Matt Kemp helps lift Dodgers to 4-3 win over Diamondbacks

ON THE MOUND: Clayton Kershaw appears to be rounding into form. The two-time Cy Young Award winner won his third consecutive start by limiting the Diamondbacks to one run and eight hits over seven innings. The last time Kershaw’s ERA was under 3.00 was before his start on May 17. Closer Kenley Jansen, who inherited a 4-2 lead, gave up a run in the ninth.

KEY MOMENT: With two on and one out in the eighth inning, left-hander J.P. Howell replaced Brian Wilson, who gave up a run and reduced the Dodgers’ lead to 2-1. Howell preserved the one-run advantage by striking out David Peralta and forcing Miguel Montero to fly out to center field.

AT THE PLATE: Matt Kemp hit a towering two-run home run to left-center field in the second inning, to move the Dodgers in front, 2-0. The home run ended a 26-game homerless streak for Kemp, his longest since his rookie season in 2006.

BACK IN THE LINEUP: Hanley Ramirez, who didn’t start either of the last two games because of an irritated AC joint in his right shoulder, returned the lineup. Ramirez was two for three with a double, a walk and a run. Catcher A.J. Ellis was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. Ellis scored a run in the eighth inning, coming home from second base on a single by pinch-hitter Justin Turner.

MEDICAL REPORT: Chad Billingsley was diagnosed with a partially-torn flexor tendon in his surgically-repaired right elbow. Billingsley will consult with team physician Neal ElAttrache to explore treatment options, which presumably include another operation.

UP NEXT: Dan Haren (6-4, 3.49) will face the Diamondbacks and Josh Collmenter (4-3, 3.65) at Dodger Stadium at 7 p.m. On the air: TV: MLB Network, SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020 (Spanish).