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Dodgers finally break through for 2-1 victory over San Diego Padres

Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning. The Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres, 2-1.

Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning. The Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres, 2-1.

(Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
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KEY MOMENT: Joc Pederson couldn’t hold in a smile while rounding third base. In the eighth inning of a 1-1 game, Pederson had just crushed an 0-2 pitch into the right-field bleachers to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. It was the team’s first home run since last Thursday, and it was timely. Pederson knew it. As he turned toward home, he flashed a thumbs-up.

AT THE PLATE: The offensive struggles have not yet fully dissolved. Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner yielded the first run to the Dodgers in 35 innings in the fifth. It was unearned. Pederson was the only player in the lineup with multiple hits. The Dodgers had six in all.

ON THE MOUND: Under most circumstances, Zack Greinke’s 7 2/3 innings in which he yielded six hits and one run with five strikeouts would’ve been enough to earn a win. But Greinke made the mistake of allowing a run in the seventh inning when Will Venable singled in Derek Norris. The call at the plate was upheld after review. Chris Hatcher, who relieved Greinke in the eighth inning and used one pitch to work out of a jam with two runners on base, was credited with the win. Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth inning to get the save.

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EXTRA BASES: Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said Yasiel Puig still feels tightness in his hamstring when jogging. . . . Before the game, Brandon Beachy threw from the mound for three simulated innings, his second simulated game in his recovery from his second Tommy John surgery. He reported no issues but said, “We’re definitely not going to rehab games yet.” ... Catcher Yasmani Grandal exited after the fourth inning after being struck by the bat on a follow through and then hit by a foul tip. ... The Dodgers made a minor league trade with the Chicago White Sox to acquire left-handed pitcher Eric Surkamp for right-hander Blake Smith.

UP NEXT: Dodgers right-hander Mike Bolsinger (2-0, 1.04 ERA) will face Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy (2-3, 6.75) on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Dodger Stadium. TV: SportsNet LA; Radio: 570, 1020.

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter @zhelfand

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