Just as in a handful of games within the past week, the Dodgers set themselves up for their own downfall on Friday night. With a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, Kenley Jansen toed the rubber with three outs to go.

However, unlike those other games, Jansen shut the door.

Jansen struck out Jesus Flores to end the game, ending the Dodgers’ small two-game skid.

Andre Ethier led the way for the Dodgers with a two-run blast in the first inning. Matt Kemp, who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, singled in the at-bat prior, and Ethier drove him in.

Clayton Kershaw posted another strong outing, going eight innings into the night before handing the ball over to Jansen. Kershaw struck out six and walked just one while allowing two earned runs.

The Dodgers made three errors on the night (Dee Gordon’s being his sixth of the young season), but they made up for it with clutch hitting, as all three runs batted in came with two outs.

One Up: Andre Ethier, RF: 2-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI

Andre Ethier’s success has been largely overshadowed by Matt Kemp’s dominance, and it just isn’t right. With his two RBI on Friday, Ethier leapfrogged Kemp and now leads all of Major League Baseball in the category. Ethier is essentially adding money to his bank account by performing so well in a contract year. Magic Johnson and Co. have some work to do once they get settled in.

One Down: Dee Gordon, SS: 0-for-4, SO, E

I do like Dee Gordon. I really do. I just wish it wasn’t so hard to trust the kid. As the lead-off batter, he needs to get on base to swipe a bag or two. If he’s not doing that, then he needs to make up for it with a big play in the field. His errors are really a point of concern, but remember, they’re growing pains.

Official Line:

W: Clayton Kershaw (2-0)

L: Ross Detwiler (2-1)

S: Kenley Jansen (1)

HR: WAS: Adam LaRoche (3) LA: Andre Ethier (5)