Mookie Betts made an outstanding diving catch and Clayton Kershaw starred on the mound and at the plate, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers top the San Diego Padres 2-0 on Saturday night in another compelling thriller between the NL West rivals.
Kershaw (3-1) struck out eight while working six innings of three-hit ball. He also drew a bases-loaded walk against Yu Darvish (1-1) in the fifth, leading Los Angeles to its eighth straight win.
Even with Kershaw's stellar performance, the matchup wasn't decided until Betts turned in another memorable play for the final out.
San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr reacts to a called strike while batting during the sixth inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, April 17, 2021, in San Diego. (AP PhotoGregory Bull)
With runners on second and third, Tommy Pham hit a sinking liner to center that looked as if it was going to tie the game. But Betts got over for a terrific diving grab, and then pounded on his chest in celebration.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish works against a Los Angeles Dodgers batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 17, 2021, in San Diego. (AP PhotoGregory Bull)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw works against a San Diego Padres batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 17, 2021, in San Diego. (AP PhotoGregory Bull)