Ethier's Homer Leads Dodgers To Victory In Home Opener
LOS ANGELES (CBS) -- Andre Ethier celebrated his 30th birthday by clubbing his second homer of the season in the bottom of the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon in the home opener and 50th anniversary of Dodger Stadium.
"I guess that's a good birthday present for this stadium, too," Ethier said. "The vibe in this stadium today, that's an addicting feeling. We had that for several years here, and then it went away, and part of that was how we were playing on the field. It felt good to look up and see that support again."
Clayton Kershaw pitched seven strong innings, allowing one run and four hits, while striking out seven and Javy Guerra locked down the save for the Dodgers' fourth victory in five games this season.
Dee Gordon got the Dodgers on the scoreboard in the first inning, leading things off with a solid single and a stolen base, before being cashed in on Matt Kemp's grounder.
Kershaw was tested in the second inning, after Kemp missplayed a flyball for a triple to start the inning, Kershaw then struck out Matt Hague and Neil Walker before getting his former battery-mate Rod Barajas to fly out.
It stayed 1-0 Dodgers until the seventh when Hauge's grounder scored Alex Presley.
Kenley Jansen retired the Pirates 1-2-3 in the eighth inning to pick up his first victory of the season.
