Clayton Kershaw looked solid through 5 2/3 innings in his season debut, Cody Bellinger – the National League MVP – hit his first home run of the season and the Los Angeles Dodgers shut out Sunday 3- 0 to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Mookie Betts homered and doubled before leaving the game with injury. The Dodgers have won three of the four series games and have had five victories in their last six games.
Kershaw (1-0) allowed three hits, no walks and struck out six. The three-time Cy Young winner was expected to have his ninth season opener on July 23, but his departure was ruled out hours before the game with a back injury sustained in the weight room.
On his return, the 32-year-old pitcher threw 81 pitches. He retired the first 10 batters he faced in order and his fastball stayed in the 92-94 mph range.
For the Dodgers, Puerto Ricans Enrique Hernández 4-1, and Edwin Ríos 1-0.
For the Diamondbacks, the Dominicans Starling Marte 3-1, Ketel Marte 4-0, Venezuelans Ildemaro Vargas 3-1, Eduardo Escobar 4-0, and David Peralta 3-0. AP (HN)