Clayton Kershaw provides six strong innings and the bullpen maintains the lead as the Dodgers open their most critical series of the season so far with a win.

The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have found themselves in a tight race in the NL West LOS ANGELES -- Things sure have changed since the last time the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers clashed,

As recently as July 3, the Los Angeles Dodgers were sitting on a comfortable nine-game lead in the NL West. The defending World Series champs had won four straight games and 15 of their last 18 games despite having a full 13-man pitching staff on the injured list and getting something less than superstar play from Mookie Betts.