Dodgers take early lead in opener

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It’s early, but at least it’s a good start for the struggling Dodgers.

Three innings down, and the Dodgers have taken a 1-0 lead in their home opener against the Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the second inning against right-hander Ian Kennedy. After James Loney doubled to the opposite field, Kennedy hit Casey Blake with a pitch and Blake DeWitt picked up his sixth walk of the season.

Russell Martin then lifted a fly medium center to sacrifice Loney home. Left-hander Clayton Kershaw struck out to end the mini-rally.

Kershaw gave up a leadoff single to Conor Jackson to start the game, but then retired the next eight Diamondbacks before walking Jackson with two out in the third.

Kershaw, who threw 109 pitches in the 4 2/3 innings for his first start, was still having trouble with his pitch count. He had already thrown 48 pitches (29 strikes) in his first three innings.

--Steve Dilbeck