D-Backs Down Dodgers in Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1, their second loss in a row. Dan Haren shut LA down for eight innings, holding them to just one run on six hits while striking out eight. Clayton Kershaw hit trouble in the second, giving up four runs on three hits and three walks. Matt Kemp hit his 17th home run of the season, and Manny Ramirez had three hits.

The Dodgers signed second-round draft pick Garrett Gould to a contract. Gould is a first-round talent who dropped to the second due to signability issues.

Braves Hold Down Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Atlanta Braves 2-1 in 10 innings, their second straight loss to the Braves in extras. Clayton Kershaw threw a gem, allowing only three baserunners over seven innings of work while striking out 10. The Dodgers could not get a clutch hit, going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Atlanta took the lead after Kelly Johnson hit his second two-run homer in as many games in the 10th inning. LA tried to stage a comeback, but ultimately fell a run short. Andre Ethier had the only RBI, driving in Juan Pierre. Matt Kemp had two hits and a stolen base.

Scott Elbert was demoted to Triple-A Albuquerque, and Ronald Belisario was activated to take his place. Eric Stults will be called up to start tomorrow's game.

Dodgers Can't Overcome Deficit

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5, their seventh loss in 11 games. Milwaukee took advantage of Clayton Kershaw's poor control, twice drawing walks with the bases loaded before driving the lefty out of the game in the fifth inning. Ryan Braun seemingly put the game out of reach with a three-run homer that gave the Brewers a 6-1 lead. However, the Dodgers scored a run in the seventh and three in the ninth. With the bases loaded and two out, Manny Ramirez could not be the hero as he flew out to right field to end the game. Matt Kemp doubled twice and scored twice, James Loney had a two-run double, and Orlando Hudson drove in two runs. Brad Ausmus had two singles and a run scored. Braun finished with four hits, and Casey McGehee had two hits and two runs scored.

Rumors: Halladay Still on Dodgers Radar

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still considering Roy Halladay as a mid-season trade acquisition. However, as Sports Illustrated reports, the price is still astronomical, with as many as six top-prospects needed to get a deal done. The Blue Jays would lower that number, but only if Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw headline the deal. The Dodgers are reportedly balking at the asking price, and have focused their attention on acquiring George Sherrill from Baltimore. The Orioles are looking for a pitcher and third-baseman, and have interest in Scott Elbert and Double-A slugger Josh Bell.

Cards Outlast Dodgers into 15

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 in 15 innings, their fourth consecutive loss. The Dodgers were nursing a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth, but with two outs Jonathan Broxton gave up a game-tying single. The Dodgers took the lead again in the 11th, and again the Cardinals came back to tie it. Jeff Weaver could not hold on, giving up a triple, walk, fielder's choice and single in the 15th to give the Cards the victory. Clayton Kershaw was outstanding, pitching eight shutout innings. Casey Blake scored both Dodger runs, and Matt Kemp and James Loney split the two RBI's. Loney finished with four hits, and Blake had three, including a triple. Albert Pujols had three hits, including the game-winning single, and Ryan Ludwick scored and drove in a run. Mark DeRosa scored the winning run.

Scott Elbert was scratched from his start in Triple-A Albuquerque. While it is possible that Elbert could be part of a trade, Ned Colletti told LA Times's Dylan Hernandez that there is no trade. Elbert could be called up to replace Brent Leach, who has been struggling of late.

Kershaw's Gem Helps Dodgers Beat Astros

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Houston Astros 5-2, preventing their first three-game losing streak of the season. Clayton Kershaw was dominant, shutting Houston out for seven innings on just two hits and one walk. The bullpen struggled though in the eighth, and Jonathan Broxton loaded the bases in the ninth, but he struck out the side and earned his 21st save of the season. Orlando Hudson had three hits, including a triple, scored twice and drove in a run. Manny Ramirez doubled and Matt Kemp had two RBI's and a run scored. Chris Coste doubled and scored a run for the Astros, and Jason Michaels drove in a run.

Before the game, the Dodgers announced that Jason Schmidt will be activated on Monday, where he will start that day against Cincinnati.

Dodgers Finish Half on Right Note

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4, taking the series 2-1. The Dodgers had the early advantage, scoring twice in the first inning. Clayton Kershaw was solid, giving up only one run on two hits and five walks over six-plus innings of work. Ramon Troncoso notched the save with a scoreless ninth. Brad Ausmus connected for his first homer of the season, and Orlando Hudson had two home runs, one from each side of the plate. James Loney drove in two runs, and Manny Ramirez doubled twice and scored twice. Mike Cameron and Bill Hall both doubled, knocked in a run and scored a run for the Brewers.

The victory ended the Dodgers' nine-game road trip, in which they went 6-3. It was also the last game before the All Star Break, which signals the end of the first half of the season.

Dodgers Defeat Mets Handily

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 8-0, their first victory in the Mets' new Citi Field. The Dodgers struck early in the second with three runs, and led for the rest of the game. New York could only muster four hits and two walks over nine innings. Rafael Furcal scored twice, and Orlando Hudson drove in two runs. Manny Ramirez collected three RBI's before being ejected after reacting negatively to a strike out. Matt Kemp totaled two hits, a run scored, a run-batted-in, and an outfield assist. Blake DeWitt had a pinch-hit homer, his first blast of the season. Juan Pierre tripled and scored a run after replacing Manny. Clayton Kershaw pitched six shutout innings, striking out seven and walking only two. Luis Castillo had only one of the Amazins' four hits.

Claudio Vargas made his Dodger debut after spending the entire season on the disabled list. Vargas had a perfect inning, but was struck by a line-drive.

Ronald Belisario returned to Los Angeles to have an MRI on his right elbow after he complained of stiffness. There is no word if he will be placed on the disabled list.

Dodgers Scratch Out Win over Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 1-0, taking the series 2-1. Both teams had trouble scoring, collecting only three hits through the first seven innings. However, Brad Ausmus singled to start the eighth, Juan Castro bunted him to second, and with Russell Martin pinch-running, Rafael Furcal hit a pinch-hit single that scored Martin. Clayton Kershaw went five innings, allowing only one hit, and the bullpen held Colorado to nothing for the rest of the game. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save of the season. Brad Hawpe had two of the Rockies' three hits, including a double.

This was the last game the Dodgers played without Manny Ramirez. The embroiled slugger will return to the lineup Friday due to tomorrow's off-day.

The victory gave the Dodgers their 50th win, the first team in baseball to reach that mark.

The Dodgers made a few moves during the day. Eric Stults was activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A so he could play regularly. Catcher A.J. Ellis was sent down to Triple-A as well, and Mitch Jones was designated for assignment. Jones now has 10 days to be traded, claimed by another team, or released. If he clears waivers, he will return to the minors. Claudio Vargas is expected to be activated from the 60-day DL, a move that could force the Dodgers to move Hong-Chih Kuo to that same list from the 15-day DL. Manny Ramirez will be activated from the Restricted List now that his suspension is over.

Ethier's Power Surge Lifts Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Seattle Mariners 8-2, snapping a two-game losing streak. Andre Ethier went deep three different times, and collected 6 RBI's from his power-surge. Casey Blake had his own solo-homer and scored twice, and Matt Kemp had three hits, including a triple. Clayton Kershaw helped his own cause as he had an RBI-single; Kershaw held the M's to just two runs over six innings while striking out eight to get the win. Ichiro Suzuki had two hits and two runs scored for Seattle, and Jose Lopez drove in Ichiro both times.

Pau Gasol threw out the first pitch of the game. Gasol was greeted to a standing ovation, and was just the latest Laker to attend a Dodger game after Kobe Bryant appeared in Anaheim when the Boys in Blue battled the Angels.

The night's fireworks display used music from pop-icon Michael Jackson. He passed away on Thursday at the age of 50.

The Dodgers signed Aaron Miller, their top draft-pick.

Eric Milton will be activated in order to start tomorrow's game. Corey Wade will be demoted to Triple-A to make room on the roster.

Manny Ramirez will begin a rehab stint with Single-A Inland Empire tomorrow.

Kershaw Deals as Dodgers Take Freeway Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5-3, taking the series 2-1 and improving their interleague record to 7-5. The Dodgers got on the board first with a run in the fifth, but they looked poised to surrender the lead after the Angels loaded the bases with no one out. But Clayton Kershaw forced Bobby Abreu to ground into a 1-2-3 double play, and escaped the inning unscathed. Kershaw went 7 innings, holding the Halos scoreless on four hits, four walks, and five strikeouts. Jonathan Broxton was shaky, but he got a four-out save to give him his 17th save of the season. James Loney had a two-run jack that was upheld on a review, the first time instant-replay was used on a Dodger homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, two of which were doubles, 2 RBI's and a run scored, and Casey Blake singled twice, knocked in a run and scored a run. Matt Kemp scored twice. Juan Rivera had two hits and drove in a run for the Angels, and Torii Hunter had an RBI-double. Mike Napoli had three hits.

Kobe Bryant was at the game with his father, and while he did not wear gear of either team, he appeared to be rooting for the Dodgers. He expressed amazement after Kershaw induced a bases-loaded double-play, and left with two outs in the ninth.

Dodgers' Bats Fall Silent

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 3-1, splitting the 2-game series. San Diego struck early, tagging Clayton Kershaw for two runs in the first inning. Kershaw gave up one more run in the third before he was lifted. The bullpen then shutdown the Padres for the rest of the game, but the Dodger bats could not do their part. LA hit a combined 1-for-1o with runners in scoring position, and scratched out only four hits. Andre Ethier had the lone RBI, and Juan Pierre scored the only run. Casey Blake hit a leadoff-double but failed to score. Kevin Correia pitched six innings of one-run ball for the Padres. Both Tony Gwynn, Jr. and David Eckstein had a hit and scored a run, and both Kevin Kouzmanoff and Chase Headley singled, doubled, and drove in a run.

Dodgers Enjoy Rocky-Mountain Sweep

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 8-6, completing a three-game sweep of Colorado. The Dodgers scored five runs in the seventh to take the lead, and a 9th-inning hiccup by Jonathan Broxton did not spoil the lead. James Loney had a bases-loaded double that scored all three runners, and Juan Pierre had three hits, two RBI's and a run scored. Andre Ethier singled twice and scored twice, and Loney finished with four runs-batted-in. Clayton Kershaw pitched six solid innings to get his third win of the season. Ryan Spillborghs hit a two-run homer for the Rockies, and Dexter Fowler reached base three times.

Kershaw's Near No-No Leads Way for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Florida Marlins 12-5, taking the series 2-1 and finishing their road-trip with a 4-2 record. The story of the day was Clayton Kershaw, who threw seven innings of no-hit ball before giving up a leadoff double to Cody Ross in the eighth. Kershaw finished the game allowing only one run on one hit and four walks while striking out nine. Both Mark Loretta and Juan Pierre had three hits, drove in three runs, and scored twice. Juan Castro had his first homer of the season, and he scored four runs. Orlando Hudson had two RBI's, and Xavier Paul scored two runs. Dan Uggla had a double for the Marlins, and Ross had a grand slam in the ninth.

Phils Steal Victory from Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3, their second loss in a row. The Dodgers scored a run in the first inning off former Blue Crew member Chan Ho Park, but Clayton Kershaw gave up three runs in the fourth, and LA could not come back. Another former-Dodger burned the Boys in Blue: Jayson Werth had two hits and scored twice, and collected four steals, including a steal of home. Orlando Hudson had three hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Dodgers, and Matt Kemp drove in a run. Mark Loretta had an RBI pinch-hit single. Raul Ibanez drove in two runs for Philly, and Shane Victorino had a run scored and run batted in. Pedro Feliz walked four times.

Dodgers Become Top Home-Warriors

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Washington Nationals 10-3, their 13th straight victory at home. The Dodgers snapped the 1911 Detroit Tigers' record of most consecutive home-wins to start a season. Clayton Kershaw pitched five innings of 1-run ball to get his first win of the season, despite running a pitch-count of 99. Rafael Furcal had three hits and scored three times, and Orlando Hudson doubled and drove in two runs. Manny Ramirez had a double and two RBI's and Russell Martin had three hits, including a double. James Loney knocked in two and Casey Blake scored twice. Christian Guzman had three hits for the Nats, including a double, and Jesus Flores had a homer.

Walk-Off-Walk Gives Dodgers the Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 1-0, their 16th win of the season. The game was scoreless going into the bottom of the ninth, but the Dodgers loaded the bases and Russell Martin drew a walk with two outs to force the winning run home. Clayton Kershaw threw a gem, shutting out the Friars in seven innings on four hits and two walks. Jake Peavy was just as dominant, giving LA only goose-eggs for eight innings and allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out eight. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect eighth for his second win of the season. Orlando Hudson scored the winning run as the Boys in Blue collected just three hits. Duaner Sanchez walked three to get the loss for the Padres, and Kevin Kouzmanoff was the only player to reach base twice for San Diego, doubling and walking. The Friars went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Kershaw Doesn't Hold Up in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Colorado Rockies 10-4, falling short of the series sweep. Clayton Kershaw got roughed up for his second loss of the season, giving up nine runs, eight hits (two homers), and four walks. Jason Marquis was solid for the Rockies, allowing just three runs on six hits while striking out five. James Loney doubled twice and knocked in three runs, and Russell Martin also had a double. Andre Ethier and Juan Pierre both had two hits. Clint Barmes had a two-run homer for Colorado and scored twice, and Ryan Spillborghs also homered and knocked in three. Dexter Fowler had three hits, and Jeff Baker had a three-run triple.

'Stros Put Hurt on Dodgers' Streak

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Houston Astros 8-5, snapping an eight-game win streak. Clayton Kershaw had an off-day, giving up six runs on eight hits and two walks to get the loss. Manny Ramirez had a two-run homer, and Matt Kemp extended his hitting-streak to fourteen games with a triple. Russell Martin drove in a run, and Orlando Hudson had two hits and two runs scored. Houston slowly built a lead after the Dodgers opened the game with a three-run first inning, with the killer coming from a two-run Carlos Lee home run. Miguel Tejada had a single, double and three RBI's, and Ivan Rodriguez scored three runs.

Dodgers' Win is Just a Walk in the Park

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-4, their fourth straight win. The Dodgers won in the bottom of the ninth after James Loney walked with the bases loaded. The Dodgers initially led 2-1 going into the eighth, but Hong-Chih Kuo put two batters on base, and Ronald Belisario gave up a three-run bomb to Aaron Rowand. The Dodgers scored twice in the eighth to tie the game, then the walk in the ninth secured the victory. Jonathan Broxton had a perfect inning to get the win, and Clayton Kershaw pitched a gem, allowing one hit, one run, one walk, and racked up 13 K's. Orlando Hudson had three hits and a run, Casey Blake hit a home run, and Matt Kemp had a double and an RBI-single. Loney knocked in three runs, all without a hit, walking twice with the bases loaded and hitting a sacrifice fly. Bengie Molina hit a solo homer for the Giants, but the black-and-orange collected only four hits.