Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen earns 42nd save in 4-2 win over Giants

KEY MOMENT: With the Dodgers ahead by a only a run, Matt Kemp provided them with valuable insurance runs by blasting a two-run home run against starter Yusmeiro Petit. The home run, which increased the Dodgers’ lead to 4-1, was the 20th for Kemp. The home run was also the 177th of Kemp’s career, which equaled Mike Piazza’s total with the Dodgers and ranks eighth all-time in franchise history.

ON THE MOUND: Clayton Kershaw became the first 19-game winner in the majors, limiting the Giants to two runs and seven hits over eight innings. He struck out nine batters and walked one. Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth inning and earned his 42nd save by retiring the side.

AT THE PLATE: Hanley Ramirez reached base on a infield hit in the second inning and made a questionable decision by trying to go from first base to third base on a single by Juan Uribe to right field. Ramirez’s risk was rewarded when right fielder Hunter Pence made an errant throw to third base, allowing Ramirez to score. Uribe, who reached third base on an error by Petit on the same play, scored on a sacrifice fly to double the Dodgers’ lead to 2-0.

CLOSE CALL: Second baseman Dee Gordon endured a scare in the seventh inning, when he pursued a blooper by Matt Duffy into center field and saw Yasiel Puig running in his direction at full speed. “My worst nightmare, almost,” Gordon said. Gordon slid and his left knee crashed into Puig’s shin, as the ball dropped and Andrew Susac scored to reduce the Dodgers’ lead to 4-2. Gordon and Puig were shaken up but remained in the game.

EXTRA BASES: Carlos Frias threw a bullpen session in preparation to start Wednesday in Colorado in place of Hyun-Jin Ryu, who is expected to be sidelined because of an irritated left shoulder. … Bench coach Tim Wallach turned 57.

UP NEXT: Roberto Hernandez (8-11, 4.04 ERA) will face Colorado’s Christian Bergman (2-3, 4.89) on Monday at 5:30 p.m. PDT at Coors Field. On the air: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.