Dodgers give up two quick runs, can’t catch Reds in 4-1 loss

KEY MOMENT: Zack Greinke gave up hits on three consecutive pitches — a single by Skip Schumaker, a home run by Todd Frazier and a double by Joey Votto — before getting an out. The Reds had a 2-1 lead and never looked back, although Greinke faced another 19 batters and gave up only one hit.

AT THE PLATE: Matt Kemp and Justin Turner had two hits each; for Turner, it was the fifth consecutive start in which he had two hits. Dee Gordon did not get the ball out of the infield in four at-bats. Gordon batted .344 through April 30 and has batted .245 since then.

ON THE MOUND: The Dodgers have lost each of Greinke’s past three starts, by scores of 5-3, 5-4 and 4-1. His earned-run average in those starts: 4.26. J.P. Howell lowered his ERA to 1.52 with a perfect inning; he has not given up a run in his past 12 appearances.

ROSTER NEWS: The Dodgers are expected to activate catcher A.J. Ellis on Friday. It is likely they would option Tim Federowicz to triple-A Albuquerque. Federowicz is batting .131, the lowest of any National League player with at least 50 at-bats.

UP NEXT: The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw (5-2, 3.17) faces the Diamondbacks’ Chase Anderson (5-0, 3.14) on Friday at 7 p.m. at Dodger Stadium. TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.