Familiar story, no run support for Kershaw - Cardinals 5 - Dodgers 1

2X2X2X2 normally equals 16 but not tonight as the Dodgers were stopped by 4 double plays in their quest for a 16th consecutive road win.

A frustrating game for the Dodgers as they continue to have frustrating offensive nights whenever their ace is on the mound. Clayton Kershaw's line was unusual as it was only 6 innings pitched, only his fifth start that didn't have a trip to the mound in the 7th inning. As it was, he had only one poor inning, the 5th, where 3 consecutive hits, led to the 2 runs that the Cardinals scored off him.

The Dodgers offense consisted of double plays and poor execution. This was a game where Hanley Ramirez's was felt, not only his cleanup bat but because he wasn't there, Yasiel Puig wasn't batting second. And in a game where Crawford got on base 3 times, Puig's bat would have fit nicely there instead of Mark Ellis who had a tough go of it.

Joe Kelly had pitched an effective 5 innings helped by 3 double plays but after getting the two runs, the Dodgers started something in the 6th; Crawford doubled, Mark Ellis's ground ball moved him to third and then Adrian Gonzalez singled home Crawford. Puig followed with a single and that was the end of Joe Kelly's night. Old friend Randy Choate came in to face Andre Ethier but Ethier singled to right to load the bases. Seth Maness followed and as Vin Scully would say, up jumped the devil, A.J. Ellis hit into another double play to end the inning.

Kershaw pitched a scoreless 6th and then the Dodgers started the 7th as they did the 6th, with Juan Uribe doubling to lead off but then a bad bunt by Nick Punto led to Uribe being out at third. And like a sore thumb, Mark Ellis again was up in a run producing situation and he made out to end the threat.

Trevor Rosenthal shutdown the Dodgers in the 8th.

After one out, Brandon League came in to face Carlos Beltran and Beltran homered to make it 3-1 and then with two out Matt Adams hit a two run home run to make it 5-1.

Edward Mujica pitched the 9th and only gave up a hit as the Dodgers lose for the first time in a month on the road.

Up next

On Wednesday, Cardinal rookie sensation Shelby Miller will be matched with Ricky Nolasco.

Tuesday's particulars

Home runs: Carlos Beltran (20), Matt Adams (9)

WP - Joe Kelly (3-3): 5⅓ IP, 6 hits, 1 run, 1 strikeout, 2 walks

LP - Clayton Kershaw (10-7): 6 IP, 6 hits, 2 runs, 5 strikeouts, 2 walks