Dan Haren, Clint Robinson are 1-hit wonders for Dodgers

LOS ANGELES -- Dan Haren pitched his best game of the year and Clint Robinson got the biggest hit of his life to lead the Dodgers over the Indians 1-0 in the opener of a three-game series on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.

With the win, the Dodgers moved a half-game ahead of the Giants into sole possession of first place in the National League for the first time since April 24.

Haren had allowed a home run in nine straight starts, 14 in all during that span, but on Monday night he successfully kept the ball down and looked much more like the early April Haren who opened the season on a hot streak. Haren pitched seven scoreless innings while striking out five and walking one.

"Danny always gives up a few runs, but he always keeps us in games. His last outing in Kansas City was the true only game he didn't have the same bite on the ball," manager Don Mattingly said. "I'm sure he was on a little bit of a mission to get back on track tonight."

Haren got 11 ground ball outs on the night.

"I kept the ball down really good today, and that's always a big thing," Haren said. "It's nice to feel like I contribute, especially after the last few weeks."

The only hit against Haren came with two outs in the third inning, an infield single by Michael Bourn that was originally called an out and had to be challenged for Bourn to be ruled safe. Safe or out, shortstop Miguel Rojas made a run-saving diving stop up the middle to keep David Murphy, who had walked, from scoring from second base.

After Bourn was ruled safe, he stole second base giving Cleveland runners on second and third base with two outs. But Haren struck out Asdrubal Cabrera looking to end the threat.

Haren retired the final 13 batters he faced to earn his eighth win of the season.

It continued a great run of pitching for the Dodgers, who have allowed four runs in five games on the current homestand, which includes a pair of 1-0 victories.

Dodgers starting pitchers have thrown 12 straight quality starts at Dodger Stadium, 8-3 with a 1.64 ERA during that span, with 86 strikeouts and just 12 walks in 82⅓ innings.

Corey Kluber was matching Haren with zeroes until the seventh, when Andre Ethier tripled to left field to open the frame. It was the third straight game with an extra-base hit for Ethier, his longest such streak since July 22-24, 2013.

It looked like Kluber might escape the jam, as Juan Uribe grounded out on a fantastic grab by a drawn-in Cabrera at shortstop and A.J. Ellis struck out looking. Hanley Ramirez, who was out of the starting lineup for a sixth time in the last seven games, was called upon to pinch hit for Rojas, but Kluber intentionally walked him to face Robinson.

Including his cup of coffee with the Royals in 2012 and his brief current stint with the Dodgers, in Robinson's big league career he was 0-for-6 with a walk, the free pass coming Sunday. Kluber got ahead in the count 0-2, but Robinson eventually grounded a ball up the middle into center field for his first major league hit and first major league RBI.

Robinson's wife Samantha was at Dodger Stadium watching the hit, but the 29-year-old left-hander said no other family members were in attendance, and probably for good reason.

"She flew in the other day. She's the only one here right now," Robinson explained. "My dad stays away from the ballpark because he gets more nervous than anybody. I don't think he would be able to handle it. I'm sure he's at home in his office listening on his computer jumping around like a crazy person."

Brian Wilson retired the side in order with a strikeout, and Kenley Jansen retired the side in the ninth for his 25th save.

The Dodgers have won three straight games for a seventh time this season, and are 16-6 in their last 22 games.

Up next

The Dodgers go for attempt number seven at a four-game winning streak on Tuesday night, sending Josh Beckett to the hill in the middle game of the series. Justin Masterson starts for Cleveland.

Monday particulars

Home runs: none

WP - Dan Haren (8-4): 7 IP, 1 hit, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

LP - Corey Kluber (7-6): 6⅔ IP, 6 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

Sv - Kenley Jansen (25): 3 up, 3 down