Dodgers use six-run first inning to beat Cubs, 14-5

AT THE PLATE: Catcher A.J. Ellis entered the day with only one home run. On Friday, he hit a pair of two-run home runs, including a blast that capped the Dodgers’ six-run first inning. The multi-home run game was the second in Ellis’ career. The first, in 2012, was also against the Cubs. Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig also hit home runs, with Kemp hitting his 22nd and Puig his 15th. Dee Gordon recorded his seventh consecutive multihit game, as he was two for five with a run. Gordon stole his league-leading 63rd base.

ON THE MOUND: Clayton Kershaw was charged with three runs in the first inning, marking the first time since May 17 that he gave up that many runs in an inning. Kershaw didn’t give up another run, but completed only five innings, making this his shortest start since June 8. Nonetheless, Kershaw became baseball’s first 20-game winner. He did so in only 26 starts. The only other pitcher since World War II to win 20 games in fewer than 30 starts was Pedro Martinez, who did it in 1999. Relievers Jamey Wright, Scott Elbert and Brandon League each pitched a scoreless inning. J.P. Howell pitched the ninth inning and was charged with two runs and three hits.

MEDICAL REPORT: Hyun-Jin Ryu doesn’t know when he’ll start throwing again but is certain he’ll be ready to pitch in the playoffs. “I’m pretty confident I will be able to come back by then,” Ryu said Friday through an interpreter. Ryu underwent an MRI exam and received a cortisone injection Monday in Los Angeles. He hopes to resume throwing in the next day or two. With Ryu sidelined, the Dodgers will have a bullpen game Sunday or Monday. Dan Haren will start the other game.

EXTRA BASES: Cubs rookie Jorge Soler tripled in a run in the first inning. That was the only hit he got against Kershaw, who struck him out in the third inning and again in the fifth. … Former Dodgers pitcher Edwin Jackson started for the Cubs and lasted only 2/3 of an inning. Jackson was charged with five runs, four hits and a walk.

UP NEXT: Roberto Hernandez (8-11, 4.06 earned-run average) will face Felix Doubront (2-1, 1.50) and the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday at 10 a.m. PDT. On the air: TV: Ch. 11. Radio: 570, 1020.