LOS ANGELES, July 21 (UPI) -- Matt Kemp hit a three-run homer in a five-run fourth inning Saturday afternoon, and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets, 8-6.
Brad Penny (12-1) went 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs -- three earned -- on six hits, with a pair of walks and five strikeouts. He became the first starting pitcher to open a season 12-1 for the Dodgers since the franchise moved to Los Angeles in 1958.
The right-hander, who is 7-0 over his last 11 starts, is trying to avoid the second-half letdown that ruined his season last year. He went 10-2 before the All- Star break in 2006, but went just 6-7 after that.
Jonathan Broxton pitched two innings of hitless ball to get his second save.
Juan Pierre had two hits and two RBI for the Dodgers, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.
Jorge Sosa (7-5) gave up six runs and eight hits over four innings for New York.
Carlos Beltran and David Wright both had two-run homers for the Mets.
