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Hiroki Kuroda Doesn't Need Run Support At Petco Park

Hiroki Kuroda has yet to allow a run at Petco Park this season. (<em>Getty Images</em>)
Hiroki Kuroda has yet to allow a run at Petco Park this season. (Getty Images)

Hiroki Kuroda didn't get much support again, but Tuesday night it didn't matter, as he continued his 2011 mastery at Petco Park. Kuroda threw seven scoreless innings, striking out eight, leading the Dodgers to a 1-0 victory over the Padres for their second win in as many nights. Kuroda, who won his major league debut on April 4, 2008 at Petco Park, has pitched 15 2/3 scoreless innings in two starts in San Diego this season.

It was a tough break for Mat Latos, who allowed just six hits and one run in his seven innings of work, striking out six. Latos has had a tough time against the Dodgers this season: two games, two runs allowed, two losses, and still just one T.

The Dodgers got their run in the fourth inning after Dee Gordon led off the frame with a bunt single to third base, his second infield single of the game. A pair of ground balls advanced Gordon to third base, bringing Matt Kemp to the plate with two outs and first base open. Latos pitched to Kemp, who hit a hard ground ball in the hole between shortstop and third base to plate Gordon.

Also in that fourth inning, Kemp was caught stealing third base, picked off by Latos. It was the first time that Kemp was caught stealing since April 20, which was 90 games ago. Kemp had stolen 20 straight bases during that span.

Kemp also singled in the top of the seventh inning, giving him two hits for the sixth straight game. He has a 10-game hitting streak overall. Since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, there have only been four streaks of multi-hit games longer than Kemp's current run.

Longest LA Dodgers Streaks Of Multi-Hit Games
Player Year Streak
Duke Snider 1959 8
Tommy Davis 1962 7
Eric Karros 1999 7
Rafael Furcal 2010 7
Matt Kemp 2011 6
19 others 6

To quote Vin Scully, after Kemp made a running catch in center field for the 26th out of the game, "Matt Kemp contantly amazes."

The Dodgers have beaten the Padres by the score of 1-0 three times this season. Since moving to Los Angeles, they have only beaten one team 1-0 three times in a season four times: against the Mets (1963 and 1970), Phillies (1967), and Padres (2011).

Ted Lilly and the Dodgers go for the sweep Wednesday night against Tim Stauffer and the Padres.

WP - Hiroki Kuroda (7-13): 7 IP, 4 hits, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts

LP - Mat Latos (5-11): 7 IP, 6 hits, 1 run, 6 strikeouts

Sv - Javy Guerra (9): 1 IP, 1 strikeout

Box Score