Dodgers move into first place with a 3-2 win over the Padres

The Dodgers were held without a hit until the sixth inning but made up for it in the seventh, scoring three times on their way to a 3-2 victory over the Padres.

The win moves the Dodgers a half-game ahead of the Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West, the first time they’ve had sole possession of the division lead in 2018.

Padres’ starter Tyson Ross was in complete control until the game moved into the seventh, when the wheels fell off. Chris Taylor lined a one-out double down the left field line, and came in to break the scoreless tie three pitches later on an Andrew Toles bloop single, chasing Ross from the game.

Craig Stammen would be called upon to face the bottom part of the order but would hit both Kiké Hernandez and Chase Utley to bring Matt Kemp to the plate with the bases loaded. The All-Star would deliver a single to bring home another run, while Hernandez was thrown out at the plate.

Kemp is now 30-for-68 (.441) with runners in scoring position this season, driving in 45 of his 60 total RBI.

Joc Pederson immediately extended the lead, smashing a single to right to bring home the eventual winning run.

Ross Stripling fought through command issues all night in his last start of the first half. The Padres frequently had runners on in the early going, doubling in each of the first two and loading the bases in the fourth. But Stripling found his way out of each jam on his way to six scoreless innings.

Ross struck out to end the threat in the fourth, following an excellent play by Chris Taylor that prevented a run. With runners on first and second, Austin Hedges roped a ground ball to the hole at short. Taylor was able to get his glove on it to keep the ball in the infield.

Stripling would get seven of the last eight hitters he faced, striking out four of them. After striking out five with one walk Thursday, the right-hander end his incredible first half with a 2.08 ERA, striking out 108 against only 14 free passes.

Daniel Hudson got into a little trouble in the seventh inning, allowing the first two runners to reach before being replaced by Scott Alexander. The lefty struck out the next two batters but Will Myers lined a two-run double to center to bring the Padres within one.

Eighth inning is yours?

Since joining the Dodgers on July 8, Dylan Floro has pitched 3 ²⁄₃ scoreless innings and has pitched the eighth inning in each of the last two nights. The right-hander also has some filthy breaking pitches.

Up Next

The Dodgers head home to face the Angels for three to finish the first half. They will get their second look at Felix Pena (1-0, 3.63) as Walker Buehler (4-2, 3.44) makes his return from his rehab assignment.

Thursday’s particulars

Home runs: none

WP - Ross Stripling (8-2): 6 IP, 6 hits, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

LP - Tyson Ross (5-8): 6 ¹⁄₃ IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 3 walk, 5 strikeouts

SV - Kenley Jansen (26): 1 IP, 1 walk, 1 strikeout