The Los Angeles Dodgers looked to extend their reign of dominance over the San Diego Padres, a team they last lost to on Sept. 3, 2015. Additionally, entering Wednesday, the Dodgers owned an eight-game winning streak over the Padres and had held them scoreless in both games this season.
Batting leadoff for a third straight game, Chase Utley provided another spark for the Dodgers by hitting a triple off Andrew Cashner in the first inning. Justin Turner gave the Dodgers an early lead by with an RBI single to right field.
With two on and two outs, Carl Crawford slapped an RBI double down the third-base line. Joc Pederson then followed with a two-run single up the middle. Cashner retired A.J. Ellis to end the first inning after throwing 43 pitches and with a 4-0 deficit.
Kenta Maeda’s Major League debut got off on the right foot as he set the Padres down in order. Matt Kemp made solid contact, though his fly ball was caught by Crawford on the warning track in left field for the third out.
Cashner settled in to retire Maeda, Utley and Corey Seager in the second inning. Maeda opened the bottom of the second by painting the outside corner facing Wil Myers for his first Major League strikeout.
Yangervis Solarte reached on a bunt single, and advanced to second base on Maeda’s throwing error. He was stranded, however, and the Padres’ scoreless streak this season extended to 20 innings.
CONTINUE READING: Kenta Maeda hits first home run, Dodgers set franchise record