Dodgers' Kershaw limits damage in 5-5 tie with Indians

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Clayton Kershaw allowed five extra-base hits, but the three-time Cy Young Award winner limited the damage in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-5 tie with the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night.

After the Dodgers trailed 5-2 in the ninth inning, A.J. Ellis squeezed home the tying run off Dan Otero to cap Los Angeles' three-run rally.

Kershaw allowed seven hits and three walks, but just two runs in five innings. He struck out seven.

''I was up a lot,'' Kershaw said. ''My fastball command wasn't very good. I guess the one bright spot was that I was able to pitch out of some jams.''

Collin Cowgill, trying to earn a spot on the Indians' roster, doubled, scored and tripled home a run. Jason Kipnis, Juan Uribe and Marlon Byrd added doubles, and Francisco Lindor hit a run-scoring single.

''I know Kershaw battled with his command but he's a handful,'' Indians manager Terry Francona said. ''I thought our guys had some pretty good at-bats. Cowgill swung the bat. It was great to see. We did some good things throughout the lineup.''

Rajai Davis, who signed a major league free agent contract with the Indians, saved a run in the first chasing down Adrian Gonzalez's drive with his back to the infield. He also threw out Yasiel Puig at second.

''That was a good play. Puig hit the ball hard and was running out of the box. It was one of the better throws Rajai's made. It was fun to watch.''

Puig had two hits, including an RBI double. Trayce Thompson, who the Dodgers acquired in the three-team trade with the Reds and White Sox, had two hits. Scott Van Slyke doubled and was on base three times.

STARTING TIME

Dodgers: Kershaw threw 96 pitches in five innings and didn't feel like he was sharp.

''It wasn't very good,'' Kershaw said. ''I didn't make very good pitches. Throwing 96 pitches in five innings, isn't very good.''

Kershaw would rather just play day games in the spring.

''You're up early anyway you may as well just play a game,'' Kershaw said. ''To me spring training isn't the place for night games.''

Indians: Trevor Bauer had his longest outing to date with five strong innings. He has allowed a run in each of his five starts for a total of five in 14 innings (3.21 ERA).

''I thought Trevor was very aggressive. I thought we played one of our better defensive games,'' Francona said. ''When you're getting it and throwing it and not working slow those things happen.''

TRAINER'S ROOM

Dodgers: OF Andre Ethier is out 10-14 weeks with a fractured right tibia. ... 2B Howie Kendrick was scratched from the original lineup with a tight left calf. ... SS Corey Seager appeared in a minor league game against the Royals this morning. Seager suffered a mild knee sprain on March 12. He was 0 for 4 and did not run or play in the field.

Indians: Michael Brantley had his second day off on Thursday from residual soreness following shoulder surgery. The Indians are discussing when Brantley will get back into spring games. Friday is the last day to backdate the disabled list if he appears in spring games. ... Lonnie Chisenhall is ready to play after healing from tightness in his right forearm. He played in a minor league game on Thursday and had one at-bat against the Dodgers.

UP NEXT

Dodgers: RHP Carlos Frias is scheduled to pitch against the Giants.

Indians: RHP Corey Kluber is scheduled to pitch against the Diamondbacks on the road.