DENVER – Clayton Kershaw had a career-high three hits to back his strong pitching performance and Joc Pederson lined one of Los Angeles’ four homers, helping the Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 11-4 on Monday night.
Known for his powerful left arm, Kershaw (4-3) was just as lethal at the plate. He had a double and two singles, including a run-scoring liner to left as part of a six-run sixth that broke open a tight game.
Kershaw allowed five hits and two runs over seven innings. He hasn’t lost to the Rockies in nearly two years, spanning nine starts.
Andre Ethier and Jimmy Rollins hit solo homers in the second off Kyle Kendrick (2-7), who gave up six runs – five earned – in 5 1/3 innings. He’s allowed 15 homers this season, tying James Shields for most in the majors.
Nolan Arenado hits a two-run homer off Kershaw in the fourth. It was his third consecutive game with a homer, the longest stretch of his career.
Colorado returned home with some momentum after winning four in a row. What’s more, the weather was clear again, too – something that hasn’t happened all that often at Coors Field in recent weeks. The Rockies and Dodgers will play a doubleheader Tuesday to make up a game that was rained out May 9.
The right-handed Kendrick unraveled in the sixth. It began with Ethier’s leadoff triple and didn’t end until the Dodgers’ sent 12 batters to the plate. They had seven hits in the inning, including Pederson’s three-run shot to deep center off reliever Christian Friedrich, the first homer he’s allowed in more than 38 innings. Howie Kendrick connected on a three-run homer in the eighth.
Adrian Gonzalez had four hits, including two doubles, and is hitting .441 in nine games against Colorado this season.
