Dodgers hit team-mark 4 HRs in opener, rout Padres
Kershaw allows just 2 hits in 7 IP
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers didn’t waste any time showing off their offensive depth on opening day, with every slot in the lineup accounting for a hit and a run.
The biggest drive came from Joc Pederson, who hit a grand slam as part of a franchise-record four home runs to start the season, leading Clayton Kershaw and Los Angeles over the San Diego Padres 14-3 Monday.
Pederson drove in five runs, Yasmani Grandal homered twice and Corey Seager added a three-run shot.
“We had Kersh going, got ahead early and didn’t take our foot off the pedal,” Pederson said. “Everyone raked. Anyone at any time can hurt you. It’s awesome to be a part of.”
Kershaw (1-0) allowed two runs — one earned — and two hits over 84 pitches
1-0 overall 0-1 overall
and seven innings. He struck out eight and walked none in his seventh consecutive opening day start. He tied the team mark for most opening day starts in matching Don Sutton, who started seven straight openers from 1972-78, and Don Drysdale, whose seven weren’t consecutive.
“If we keep scoring in double-digit runs, I think I’ll have a good year,” Kershaw said, smiling.
Kershaw’s fifth opening day victory equaled Drysdale for most in franchise history.
“It’s a huge honor to get to do that,” he said.
Jhoulys Chacin (0-1) gave up a career-worst nine runs and eight hits in 3 1/3 innings in his Padres debut.
“I didn’t make good pitches when I needed to, especially in the third inning,” he said. “I started getting behind. (Pederson) was ready for the fastball in and hit it out. That’s where the game got away from us.”
The Dodgers’ runs fell just short of their 15-0 victory over the Padres on opening day a year ago in San Diego.
“It was the quality of the bats one through nine, Kersh included,” secondyear manager Dave Roberts said. “There was a purpose every time someone stepped in the batter’s box.”
Grandal followed Pederson’s slam in the third inning with a solo homer into the same lower right-field seats. Both came with two outs and gave the Dodgers a 6-1 lead.