Kazmir helps Dodgers shut out Padres 2nd straight game, 3-0

SAN DIEGO (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff is off to a great start after two games, with Scott Kazmir matching Clayton Kershaw with one-hit efforts.

Not surprisingly, then, San Diego is the only team in the majors that hasn't scored a run.

Scott Kazmir combined with three relievers on a two-hitter to win his first start with the Dodgers, who shut out the Padres for the second straight game, 3-0 Tuesday night.

Kazmir (1-0) and relievers Pedro Baez, Chris Hatcher and Kenley Jansen combined to retire 26 of the final 27 batters.

After Cory Spangenberg beat out an infield single to second with out in the first, Kazmir, who went six innings, retired his last 16 batters. Baez retired the side in the seventh, Hatcher retired the side in the eighth and Jansen got two outs in the ninth before allowing Jon Jay's infield single. Jansen struck out Spangenberg to record the save.

''I just wanted to get out there and have a good start to the season, get some outs early and just get in the dugout as quick as possible,'' Kazmir said after his first NL start. ''I've got a defense behind me that gives me a great deal of confidence to make pitches even behind in the count. Overall it was a good day.''

Kazmir was signed in December to help fill the void left when Zack Greinke signed with Arizona. He struck out five and walked none.

''He knew what it took to get ready for a major league season,'' manager Dave Roberts said. ''He had a good fastball, cutter. He threw some great change-ups, threw a curveball when he needed to and kept those guys off balance. He really competed well today.''

Kershaw and the Dodgers beat the Padres 15-0 Monday, the most lopsided opening-day shutout in major league history.

San Diego has only six hits in its first two games, compared to 23 for L.A. Corey Seager had three hits for the Dodgers on Tuesday night.

''I don't think this is the way anyone draws it up,'' manager Andy Green said. ''This isn't what we are looking to do. But it happens when guys want it really bad. Every single guy wants to break the seal for us and get us going and it just hasn't happened for us yet.''

Kazmir ''moved the ball in and out. His changeup was up in the zone; we had plenty of chances to hit it. He had the ball going both directions but we had some pitches to hit but we didn't take advantage of it today,'' Green said. ''You have to tip your cap to him. He was poised all day. He threw the ball well.''

San Diego has only six hits in its first two games, compared to 23 for L.A. Corey Seager had three hits for the Dodgers on Tuesday night.

The Dodgers scored three runs off James Shields (0-1) in the fourth. Seager singled and Adrian Gonzalez doubled ahead of Yasiel Puig's triple over the head of center fielder Jon Jay that one-hopped the 396 sign. Carl Crawford singled in Puig.

Shields allowed three runs and six hits in six innings, struck out six and walked one.

TRAINERS ROOM

Dodgers: Manager Dave Roberts expects 2B Howie Kendrick (calf) and C Yasmani Grandal (forearm) to be activated from the disabled list in time for the home opener against Arizona on Tuesday. ... LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder) will throw a two-inning, simulated game Thursday as he continues his rehabilitation.

UP NEXT

Dodgers: RHP Kenta Maeda makes his big league debut in the finale of the three-game series. He was signed after spending his first eight pro seasons with the Hiroshima Carp of the Japanese Central League.

Padres: RHP Andrew Cashner, who was 6-16 with a 4.34 ERA last year, makes his season debut.