The “different hero every night” strategy the Dodgers relied on the past two weeks was cute for a while.

After getting blown out by Arizona on Wednesday and falling to the Houston Astros at home on Friday night, it is becoming more clear: The Dodgers need Matt Kemp back, and they need him now.

The Boys in Blue put up one run against the sub-.500 Astros, blowing the one opportunity they had. With one out and the bases loaded in the eighth inning, Ivan De Jesus Jr. struck out swinging and A.J. Ellis flew out to center.

Clayton Kershaw kept the Dodgers in the game, but it wasn’t as pretty as it usually is. Kershaw allowed three runs in seven innings and walked three batters in the process. The major damage came in the third inning when J.D. Martinez launched a home run to left field to extend the Astros’ lead to 3-0. The Dodgers never recovered.

The Dodgers have yet to lose three consecutive games in 2012 and they will look to keep it that way as they continue their series with the ‘Stros tomorrow. Chad Billingsley and Bud Norris will square off on the mound at 7:10 p.m.

One Up: None.

One Down: Dodgers hitters

Before Friday, how familiar were you with Lucas Harrell? I can guarantee you the Dodgers know him pretty well now. Harrell didn’t strike out a single batter Friday night, but that didn’t stop him from holding the Dodgers to one earned run on five hits over his 7.1 innings of work. Yes, it’s depleted, but the Dodgers’ lineup should be feasting on pitchers like Harrell whenever they get the chance.

Official Line:

W: Lucas Harrell (4-3)

L: Clayton Kershaw (4-2)

S: Brett Myers (12)

HR: HOU: J.D. Martinez (4)