The Los Angeles Dodgers finally provided Hiroki Kuroda with run support on Sunday, beating the Houston Astros 7-0 to complete their weekend sweep. The Dodgers scored more than three runs just once in Kuorda's last 18 starts before today, when they exploded for three home runs and a seven spot. Justin Sellers, in just his third major league game, hit his first major league home run, a sixth-inning three-run shot off fellow rookie Jordan Lyles.
Dioner Navarro opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the second inning, continuing his success against Houston this season. Navarro has hit two of his five home runs and three of his 11 extra-base hits against the Astros this season.
Matt Kemp continued his march toward a 30-30 season and beyond with a solo home run in the third, his 28th home run of the season. Kemp also stole second base in the sixth inning, his 31st swipe of the season. Today was the fourth game of the season for Kemp with both a home run and a stolen base, and 15th such game of his career.
Kuroda was magnificent, striking out six in his seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits and a walk. It was the seventh game this season for Kuroda allowing no runs. In those games Kuroda is 6-0, but when he gives up a run he is 2-14.
Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a scoreless ninth inning, snapping a string of five consecutive appearances allowing a run.
The Dodgers allowed one run and 14 hits in 28 innings over three games to the Astros in their weekend sweep. Up next is Milwaukee, where the Dodgers will play the first four games of their 10-game road trip.
WP - Hiroki Kuroda (8-14): 7 IP, 5 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts
LP - Jordan Lyles (1-7): 5 1/3 IP, 7 hits, 7 runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts