Dodgers fend off D-backs rally
LOS ANGELES: Clayton Kershaw carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and struck out 11 to become the first 13-game winner in the majors this season as Los Angeles fended off a late rally en route to a 4-3 victory against Arizona in a match-up of the National League’s top two teams.
Kershaw (13-2) ended up allowing two hits in seven shut-out innings. He lost his bid for a second career no-hitter on an infield single by Chris Owings with one out in the seventh.
All-Star closer Kenley Jansen entered with two on in the ninth inning and gave up a three-run homer to Daniel Descalso, which cut the D-backs’ deficit to one. Jansen finished for his 18th save in as many chances.
Kershaw has made 12 consecutive starts without a loss and is 9-0 with a 2.19 ERA since a 4-3 loss to San Francisco on May 1. The left-hander hasn’t allowed a run in his last three starts.
In Cleveland, Cory Spangenberg drove in the only run with a groundout, and six San Diego pitchers combined on a fivehitter as the Padres edged the Cleveland Indians 1-0 on Tuesday despite a recordsetting outing by All-Star Corey Kluber.
Cleveland manager Terry Francona missed the game after he was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic for tests. Francona was hospitalised twice last month after feeling lightheaded and having a rapid heart rate. He was fitted with a heart monitor last week and said at the time doctors had ruled out any serious health issues.
Team president Chris Antonetti said Francona did not experience the previous symptoms again, and the tests were being done to help determine what’s causing the issue.
Kluber (7-3) struck out 10 in eight innings — setting a franchise mark with five consecutive double-digit strikeout games. But the 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner received little help from his offense or defense.
Jose Torres (5-2) got two outs for the win. Brandon Mauer pitched the ninth for his 17th save.
In Arlington, Andrew Benintendi went 5 for 5 with two homers, six RBIs and a terrific catch in left field, and David Price struck out nine over six scoreless innings as Boston beat Texas 11-4 to stretch the longest winning streak in the majors to six games.
The first Red Sox rookie with two five-hit games in a season, Benintendi had a threerun homer in the fifth that chased All-Star pitcher Yu Darvish (6-7), who matched career highs by allowing seven runs and 11 hits.
In Atlanta, Jose Altuve homered and drove in four runs, Josh Reddick hit a grand slam and Houston pounded Atlanta 16-4.
Showing why they’re the best team in baseball at 57-27, the Astros banged out 19 hits to tie a season high and led 12-0. But All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa left before the fifth inning with left thumb discomfort. He was hurt sliding headfirst into home as catcher Tyler Flowers tagged him to end the fourth inning. X-rays were negative and Correa is day to day.
Yuli Gurriel doubled twice to drive in three runs, Brad Peacock (6-1) won his third straight start and George Springer went 4 for 5 with a homer, helping Houston improve to 30-9 on the road despite the return of Braves slugger Freddie Freeman from a broken left wrist.
In Denver, Homer Bailey pitched six solid innings for his first win since last August, Billy Hamilton had a two-out, two-run single after missing a game with a bothersome back and Cincinnati beat Colorado 8-1.
Jose Peraza, Scott Schebler and pinchhitter Scooter Gennett added homers for the Reds.