Kemp & Kuroda Shine in Dodgers' Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers began the 2009 season today by defeating the San Diego Padres 4-1, their first win of the season. Hiroki Kuroda pitched 5-and-two-thirds innings, allowing just one run, four hits, and one walk. Matt Kemp had the first Dodger home run of the season, and made a diving catch that ended up preventing a big inning for the Padres. James Loney had three hits and two RBI's, and Rafael Furcal had two hits, a stolen base, and scored a run. Andre Ethier had two hits and an RBI. San Diego ace Jake Peavy was roughed up for his first loss against the Dodgers after 11 straight wins, giving up all four runs on seven hits while striking out eight. Brian Giles knocked in the only Padre run.