Matt Kemp shines as Los Angeles Dodgers defeat San Diego Padres 1-0 – MLB Update
Matt Kemp’s hit proved the difference between the clubs, as Los Angeles Dodgers snatched a 1-0 triumph over the San Diego Padres in the second outing at the Petco Park in San Diego on Tuesday, August 2 to take a 2-0 lead.
Hiroki Kuroda’s decision to remain a part of the Dodgers proved successful. His granular pitching helped him gain eight strike-outs over seven innings. Although he gave away four hits and two walks but the passion in his tossing was evident. His unsurpassed
passion took him to seventh win of the season.
His trade rumours was top priority of the media throughout the season until July 31, but he closed down all doors by using no-trade clause of his contract and preferred to complete this season with the Dodgers. However, like any other player he was not sure
whether he made a right decision or not.
"After I made the decision, I still thought about if I made the right decision or not, but it really pays off when you get a win like this," a Japanese native Kuroda said through an interpreter. "It's great to get a win with this team."
It was not enough run support for him but he did not stumble at all and forced the opponents to make mistakes. His competitor Mat Latos was in the great form to move towards his sixth win of the season. However, a single mistake sent Latos to the losing
column.
"It's the same, he's been so good," Dodgers’ manager Don Mattingly said of Kemp. "He's just grinding away. That is what we talked about, just keep grinding at-bats and at the end of the year, there is going to be a pile of numbers there. Just stay focused."
He tossed a wobbly pitch to the Dodgers’ brawny slugger Matt Kemp, who drove in to left-field to allow Dee Gordon to score the decisive run. Besides this, Latos allowed six hits but also made six strike-outs that did not prove helpful in his struggle to
break losing momentum. Getting his 11th loss of the season, Latos went to 5-11 with 3.94 ERA in 21 starts.
His relievers Josh Spence and Chad Qualls each worked scoreless innings to provide some room to batters, but the Dodgers’ Mike MacDougal and closer Javy Guerra did not provided any loose corner. Both tossed scoreless one innings. MacDougal got his eighth
hold while Guerra earned his ninth save in this season.
As both the club are striving hard to make their way back into the season, it would be interesting to see who wins in his struggle, as the next game will be a do or die situation for the Padres. Tim Stauffer will land for the Padres to take on the Dodgers’
starting hurler Ted Lilly.
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