J.D. Martinez’s 3-run shot lifts Dodgers over Padres for their 4th win in a row

JD Martinez hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Julio Urías pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 4-2 on Saturday for their fourth straight win.

The NL West leaders won their fifth straight series and have won 17 of their last 20 at Dodger Stadium.

The Padres got solo shots from Juan Soto in the first and Ha-Seong Kim in the second off Urías, both with two outs.

After a Mookie Betts error in his fifth start of the season at shortstop, Urías retired the next nine batters in a row.

Urías (5-3) worked his way out of a jam in the sixth with runners on the corners. He fielded a grounder by Xander Bogaerts, spun and threw to second to break into an inning-ending double play.

Urías allowed two runs and three hits in seven innings. The lefty struck out four and walked none.

The Padres tied it with two outs in the ninth against Brusdar Graterol. Max Muncy made a bare-handed catch and threw in one motion to Freeman, who split to stretch the ball. Bogaerts was thrown out, but the Padres successfully challenged the call and Nelson Cruz followed with a single to center.

Caleb Ferguson came in and struck out Jake Cronenworth to end the game and earn his first save of the season.

San Diego lost its fourth straight and six of seven. The Padres’ starters have received little support during the skid that began a week ago.

Joe Musgrove (1-1) was hit with a pitch clock violation in the third with Will Smith at the plate. Musgrove and catcher Austin Nola were among five distracted parents who mistakenly headed for the dugout with two outs. They quickly retreated.

Freddie Freeman doubled to lead off and scored on Smith’s RBI single for a 4-2 lead. Freeman’s 30 career hits against Musgrove are the most by any major leaguer, and his 13 hits are the most against the right-hander.

Musgrove gave up four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out five and walked four. He never had a 1-2-3 inning, and was retired with two outs in the sixth.

TRAINERS’ ROOM

Padres: OF David Dahl (right quad strain) began a rehab stint with Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Dodgers: RHP Noah Syndergaard threw a bullpen Saturday and his right index finger “looked good,” manager Dave Roberts said. He will consult with the training staff to decide if Syndergaard makes his scheduled start on Monday. Syndergaard cut his finger Tuesday in Milwaukee and is wearing a protective sticker.

UNTIL THE NEXT

Padres: LHP Ryan Weathers (1-1, 2.50 ERA) starts the series finale in a trade with RHP Michael Wacha, who starts Monday against Kansas City.

Dodgers: RHP Tony Gonsolin (0-1, 1.93) makes his fourth start of the season in search of his first win.

Report from The Associated Press.

---

---