Home runs back Clayton Kershaw as Dodgers rout Rockies

The Dodgers offense broke out in a big way in the series opener against the Rockies. Even pitcher Clayton Kershaw joined in the fun, both at the plate and on the mound in an 11-4 win over Colorado on Monday night at Coors Field.

The Dodgers tied a season high with four home runs, and had their second-best outputs with 11 runs and 18 hits.

Four home runs get the headlines for the Dodgers offense on Monday, with solo shots by Andre Ethier and Jimmy Rollins in the second inning; and three-run shots by Joc Pederson in the sixth and Howie Kendrick in the eighth. But it was a sustained rally in that sixth inning, with seven hits and two walks leading to a season-high-tying six runs in the frame, that separated Los Angeles from Colorado in the series opener.

The six runs by the Dodgers in the sixth inning on Monday matched the total of their previous six road games.

Kershaw joined in the fun with an RBI single in the sixth, but also singled in the second and doubles in the fifth, for the first three-hit game of his career. It was the first three-hit game by a Dodgers pitcher since Zack Greinke on July 8, 2013.

On the mound, Kershaw was pretty good, too.

He left a 3-1 fastball over the plate that Nolan Arenado crushed into the center field seats for a two-run shot in the fourth inning that tied the game at 2-2. But other than that Kershaw barely allowed a thing, striking out seven in his seven innings, his third consecutive start lasting at least that long.

Ethier homered and tripled, continuing his fine renaissance season. It was the sixth career game for Ethier with a triple and a home run.

Pederson's home run was hit against reliever Christian Friedrich in the sixth inning, the second home run against a left-handed pitcher in two days, the first two such home runs in his career. It was also the first home run ever allowed by Friedrich in relief, after 33⅔ innings of solid relief since converting from starting.

In addition to making at least three highlight-worthy plays at second base, Kendrick had two hits and drove in four runs, matching his home run and RBI totals on the road coming into Monday night, in 20 games.

Gonzalez managed to quietly mix in a 4-for-4 night with two doubles and a walk, the first time this season he reached base at least five times, and 14th time in his career. Gonzalez leads the major leagues with 19 doubles.

Every Dodger starter reached base at least twice except A.J. Ellis, who singled and scored in five at-bats.

David Huff relieved Kershaw for the eight inning, ending any speculation Huff might start on Tuesday in the first game of the doubleheader. Huff allowed two runs on four hits in his inning of work.

Monday particulars

Home runs: Andre Ethier (7), Jimmy Rollins (6), Joc Pederson (14), Howie Kendrick (5); Nolan Arenado (13)

WP - Clayton Kershaw (4-3): 7 IP, 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts

LP - Kyle Kendrick (2-7): 5⅓ IP, 10 hits, 6 runs (5 earned runs), 2 walks, 1 strikeout