Dodgers 4, Padres 0
SAN DIEGO -- Clayton Kershaw tossed a three-hitter, and the Los Angeles Dodgers got a pair of two-run homers from Yasiel Puig and A.J. Ellis in a 4-0 victory over the San Diego Padres before 40,572 fans at Petco Park on Saturday night.
The Dodgers (89-66) have captured six of the last seven from the Padres (72-82) and clinched the season series between the two with their 10th win in 18 meetings. The two clubs meet for the final time Sunday.
Kershaw ended a three-game skid against San Diego with a solid performance. Kershaw (15-9) struck out 10 and walked two in seven innings, throwing 99 pitches (62 strikes). He retired 16 of the final 17 Padres he faced, with Chase Headley's double in the sixth being the only exception. Kershaw lowered his major league-leading ERA to 1.88 as he attempts to become the first pitcher since Greg Maddux (1993-95) to lead the majors in that category in three consecutive seasons.
Kershaw also reached base on a bunt single before Puig unleashed a blast estimated at 457 feet to center of reliever Tim Stauffer with no outs in the seventh. It was Puig's 18th of the season.
Ellis also hit a two-run shot in the fourth inning.
San Diego starter Burch Smith allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, but he issued five walks. Smith (1-2) struck out six on 98 pitches (58 strikes).
NOTES: Dodgers OF Andre Ethier took batting practice and performed running drills before Saturday's game. Ethier, who missed his eighth consecutive contest with a sprained left ankle, could return when the Dodgers visit the Giants on Sept. 24-26. ... SS Hanley Ramirez didn't start Saturday against the Padres. Manager Don Mattingly is resting Ramirez to help him recover from back and hamstring injuries that have plagued him throughout the season. Ramirez is expected to see limited playing time before the post-season. ... Dodgers RHP Edinson Volquez and his wife Roandry are expecting twin girls in October. ... Dodgers RHP Zack Greinke (15-3, 2.75) will clash with Padres RHP Andrew Cashner (10-8, 3.21) in the series finale Sunday.