Dodgers fall flat in 4-1 loss to Padres

KEY MOMENT: Roberto Hernandez might be wearing No. 55, but he wasn’t going to pitch like Orel Hershiser forever. Hernandez gave up three runs in the second inning, as he loaded the bases on a single by Jedd Gyorko and consecutive walks, then gave up back-to-back run-scoring singles to Alexi Amarista and pitcher Eric Stults. Two runs scored on Stults’ single, as it was bobbled in left field by Scott Van Slyke. The Padres went ahead, 3-0.

AT THE PLATE: The Dodgers were shut down by former teammate Stults, who limited them to a run and four hits over five innings. Their only run against Stults came in the third inning, when Yasiel Puig reached base on an infield single, advanced to third base on a ground-rule double by Adrian Gonzalez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Matt Kemp. The Dodgers finished the game with six hits.

ON THE MOUND: Hernandez lost for the first time in three starts with the Dodgers, as he was charged with four runs (three earned) and eight hits over five innings. He was relieved by rookie Pedro Baez, who gave up two hits over two scoreless innings. Brian Wilson and Carlos Frias each tossed a shutout inning.

EXTRA BASES: With the Dodgers facing a left-hander in Stults, the right-handed-hitting Van Slyke started in left field instead of the left-handed-hitting Carl Crawford. Also, Darwin Barney, who bats right-handed, started at second base in place of Dee Gordon, who bats left-handed. … Hanley Ramirez ran in the outfield before the game, an indication he is recovering from a strained side muscle. … Juan Uribe (strained hamstring) has started baseball activities.

UP NEXT: Clayton Kershaw (14-3, 1.86 earned-run average) will face Tyson Ross (11-11, 2.70) and the Padres at Dodger Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. On the air: TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.