SAN DIEGO (AP) ― Clayton Kershaw struck out 10 in seven dominant innings, Yasiel Puig and A.J. Ellis hit two-run homers and the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 4-0 Saturday night.

Kershaw (15-9) lowered his major league-leading ERA to 1.88. He leads the NL with 224 strikeouts.

Kershaw held San Diego in check on three hits after losing to the Padres in three other starts this season.

The left-hander is trying to become the first pitcher to lead the majors in ERA in three consecutive seasons since Atlanta’s Greg Maddux from 1993-95.

Ellis homered in the fourth off rookie Burch Smith (1-2).

Puig then connected on a shot to center field off Tim Stauffer in the seventh that was estimated at 457 feet. Kershaw reached on a bunt single to lead off the inning.

Kershaw retired 14 of his last 15 batters. He was 0-3 with a 4.67 ERA in his first three starts against the Padres, while going 14-6 with a 1.71 ERA in his other starts.

Kershaw skipped his last scheduled start on Wednesday as the Dodgers attempt to give him rest heading into the postseason.

Relievers Ronald Belisario and Brian Wilson each pitched a perfect inning for the Dodgers.

Los Angeles played all of its starters, except shortstop Hanley Ramirez. The Dodgers held out all of their regulars in a 2-0 loss to the Padres on Friday night, one day after clinching their first division title since 2009.

Smith gave up two runs on three hits in six innings. The rookie struck out six and walked a career-high five.

Burnett leads Pirates past Reds 4-2

PITTSBURGH (AP) ― A.J. Burnett scattered four hits over seven strong innings to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 on Saturday night.

Burnett (9-11) struck out a season-high 12 as the Pirates moved a game in front of Cincinnati for the top spot in the NL wild-card race. Jason Grilli worked the ninth for his 31st save, his first since going to the disabled list with a strained right forearm in July.

Russell Martin hit a two-run homer and Jose Tabata added two hits as the Pirates bounced back from a late collapse in a loss on Friday night.

Zach Cozart hit his 12th home run of the season for Cincinnati and Ryan Ludwick added an RBI but Homer Bailey (11-11) ended a winning streak at six straight decisions.

Angels 6, Mariners 5

Tigers 7, White Sox 6

D-backs 7, Rockies 2

Dodgers 4, Padres 0

Yankees 6, Giants 0

Cubs 3, Braves 1

Rays 5, Orioles 1

Mets 5, Phillies 4

Athletics 9, Twins 1

Pirates 4, Reds 2

Indians 4, Astros 1

Cardinals 7, Brewers 2

Blue Jays 4, Red Sox 2

Rangers 3, Royals 1