The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 9-1 Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium to assure themselves of their second consecutive National League West Division championship.
Clayton Kershaw pitched a eight-hitter over eight innings and struck out 11 to improve to 21-3 before a capacity crowd announced at 53,387. He hit the first triple of his major league career in the fifth, driving in Carl Crawford with the Dodgers’ first run.
The Dodgers broke a 1-1 tie with four runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Yasiel Puig hit an 0-2 sinker from Tim Hudson (9-13) for his 16th homer of the season. Matt Kemp doubled one out later and Hanley Ramirez was intentionally walked. Both scored on Crawford’s double. Juan Uribe singled in Crawford.
The Dodgers added four runs in the eighth. Uribe singled in two runs, A.J. Ellis hit into a force out, driving in Crawford. Puig walked with the bases loaded, forcing in Ellis.
Brian Wilson pitched the ninth, allowing one hit.
The Giants’ lone run came in the third when Joaquin Arias scored when Hunter Pence hit into a fielder’s choice.
The Dodgers will open the playoffs Oct. 3.
