Dodgers Get Ahead, But Padres Have A Headley

Chase Headley got the better of Chris Capuano on Wednesday, and the Dodgers fell 4-2 to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. It was the second straight loss for the Dodgers, who have scored six runs in three games without Matt Kemp.

Headley hit a solo home run in the first inning to cut the Dodgers' lead in half, then hit a two-run double to the left center field gap in the sixth inning to give San Diego the lead.

After Tony Gwynn Jr. opened the game with a single, Elian Herrera followed with a sharp grounder down the third base line that rolled into the left field corner for an RBI double. It was Herrera's first major league hit and first major league RBI, in his first major league start and his second major league at-bat. A ground ball and a fly ball later, Herrera scored his first major league run for a 2-0 lead.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers, that was all Richard would allow, as they got just two hits over the next six innings against him. In two starts at Petco Park against the Dodgers this season, Richard has allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits in 14 innings, with no walks, nine strikeouts, and two wins. In his six starts in between those two victories, Richard was 0-5 with a 6.32 ERA.

After Jerry Sands doubled with one out in the fourth inning, San Diego pitchers retired 15 Dodgers in a row, including six by strikeout, before Bobby Abreu singled with one out in the ninth inning. Andre Ethier nearly followed with a fly ball single down the left field line, but James Darnell made a sliding catch to prevent the tying run from reaching base.

Capuano ran into more trouble in the seventh inning, thanks in part to his own throwing error on Andy Parrino's sacrifice bunt attempt. That led to a bases loaded situation with one out, and Capuano's removal from the game. Javy Guerra relieved Capuano, then walked the first hitter he faced for a run, but got out of the inning without any further damage.

Guerra has entered each of the last two games with the bases loaded, and thrown a total of 16 balls and 7 strikes. But each time, he allowed just one of the three inherited runners to score.

Ronald Belisario pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Dodgers, his sixth consecutive scoreless outing since returning from his suspension. In 5 2/3 innings so far this season, Belisario has allowed two hits and three walks, with four strikeouts.

Today's Particulars

Home Runs: Chase Headley (5)

WP - Clayton Richard (2-5): 7 IP, 4 hits, 2 run, 6 strikeouts

LP - Chris Capuano (5-1): 6 1/3 IP, 6 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 3 walks, 6 strikeouts

Sv - Dale Thayer (4): 1 IP, 1 hit