Betts makes diving grab as Dodgers beat Padres 2-0

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Mookie Betts made an outstanding diving catch and Clayton Kershaw starred on the mound and at the plate, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers top the San Diego Padres 2-0 on Saturday night in another compelling thriller between the NL West rivals.

Kershaw (3-1) struck out eight while working six innings of three-hit ball. He also drew a bases-loaded walk against Yu Darvish (1-1) in the fifth, leading Los Angeles to its eighth straight win.

Even with Kershaw's stellar performance, the matchup wasn't decided until Betts turned in another memorable play for the final out.

With runners on second and third, Tommy Pham hit a sinking liner to center that looked as if it was going to tie the game. But Betts got over for a terrific diving grab, and then pounded on his chest in celebration.

Los Angeles also took the series opener Friday night, grabbing the lead for good when Corey Seager hit a tiebreaking two-run homer on Tim Hill’s first pitch of the 12th inning.

The second game of the season series was just as good.

Kershaw won his third straight start since losing at Colorado on opening day. Victor Gonzalez got two outs for his first save of the season.

Darvish was terrific for San Diego, allowing one hit in seven innings. He struck out nine and walked two.

Los Angeles grabbed the lead with a two-out rally in the fifth. Zach McKinstry was hit by a pitch, Luke Raley singled and Austin Barnes walked to load the bases.

Kershaw then walked on a full-pitch count, forcing in a run. Darvish’s 86-mph cutter was slightly low and outside.

San Diego had runners on the corners with one out in the sixth when Wil Myers hit a sharp grounder up the middle. Second baseman Chris Taylor grabbed the ball, stepped on second and threw to first baseman Max Muncy for a double...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Betts-makes-diving-grab-as-Dodgers-beat-Padres-2-0-16109469.php