Pollock, Urías lead Dodgers past slumping Padres 5-2

SAN DIEGO (AP) — AJ Pollock hit a two-run single and robbed Manny Machado of a two-run homer to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers past the sinking San Diego Padres 5-2 on Tuesday night in a series opener between NL West rivals headed in opposite directions.

“Since the break, AJ has played as good as anybody,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He has just been a really good player. He has been one of our most consistent performers in the second half.”

Will Smith homered for Los Angeles, and Julio Urías (14-3) allowed one hit over five scoreless innings in his return from the injured list to match Chicago Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks for most wins in the majors.

“I felt really good,” Urías said through a translator. “I followed the game plan.”

The surging Dodgers, who have won 10 of 11, stayed 2 1/2 games behind first-place San Francisco in the NL West.

San Diego has lost 10 of 12 and remained a game behind the Reds for the league's second wild card.

“Just as a group, we aren't swinging it like we are capable of," Padres manager Jayce Tingler said.

Urías, who missed his previous turn with a bruised left calf, held the Padres hitless until Eric Hosmer doubled with one out in the fifth.

“Urías is one of the top guys in the league. Coming off the IL he looked pretty fresh. We weren't able to get much off him,” Tingler said. “He mixed it up early on. He had all the pitches going.”

In a bullpen game for San Diego — which is becoming more common with the starting rotation in disarray — middle reliever Pierce Johnson (3-3) got the start. After retiring the side in the first inning, Johnson gave up Smith's home run leading off the second.

“Our pitchers, our bullpen did a really good job,” Tingler said.

Padres reliever Daniel...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Pollock-Ur-as-lead-Dodgers-past-slumping-Padres-16410005.php