Kemp’s homer snaps Padres’ skid in LA

LOS ANGELES — Former Dodger Matt Kemp launched a towering three-run homer on an 0-2 pitch from Chris Hatcher with one out in the eighth inning to help the Padres snap a five-game losing streak on Friday night with a 5-1 win over the Dodgers, whose tailspin reached five straight losses.

San Diego grabbed a 1-0 lead when Kemp doubled off Dodgers lefty Alex Wood and was singled home by Melvin Upton Jr. in the fourth. That was the only run allowed by Wood, who struck out nine in seven innings.

Cesar Vargas, making his second Major League start for San Diego, turned in 5 1/3 scoreless innings, but the Dodgers finally got on the scoreboard when Padres manager Andy Green brought in lefty Brad Hand in the sixth to turn around switch-hitter Yasmani Grandal. Grandal homered right-handed to tie the game, 1-1.

Ryan Buchter, a former Dodgers Minor Leaguer, was credited with the win.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDBad choice: With the Dodgers trailing, 1-0, Grandal led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a line drive off the right-field fence, but Kemp cut down Grandal trying for second. One out later, Joc Pederson bunted for a single and Wood walked, but Chase Utley struck out. Grandal and Kemp swapped clubs in a trade during the 2014 Winter …

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