MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers 7, N.Y. Mets 6

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NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- Home runs by Matt Kemp and Luis Cruz lifted Los Angeles to an early four-run cushion Friday and the Dodgers held on to defeat the New York Mets 7-6.

Kemp hit a two-run blast as part of a three-run first and Cruz delivered a two-run shot in the third.

That helped the Dodgers build a 6-2 advantage, but the Mets made a game of it with the assistance of two unearned runs.

A two-run homer by Jordany Valdespin in the seventh brought the Mets within one, but LA relievers Ronald Belisario and Kenley Jansen shut down New York over the final two innings.

The Mets put the potential tying run on second in the ninth with one away, but Jansen struck out Justin Turner and got Andres Torres on a popup to shortstop to end the game and claim his 17th save.

Aaron Harang (7-5) worked five innings for the win. He gave up two runs, one earned, on four hits over five innings.

Johan Santana (6-7) lasted only three frames while taking the loss. He allowed six runs on seven hits.