TUCSON, Ariz. -- Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw got into a jam during his first spring training work, but prefers to believe he'll be better for it in the long run.
One of Los Angeles' best young pitchers had a perfect first inning before allowing two runs in the second during the Dodgers' 13-5 victory over Colorado on Saturday.
Kershaw allowed a single to Matt Murton to open the second before Yorvit Torrealba reached on a fielder's choice. The Dodgers' projected No. 4 starter then struck out Daniel Ortmeier and Carlos Gonzalez before allowing a two-run single to Christian Colonel.
"It is good to get in (tough) situations, where I have to battle a little bit," Kershaw said. "I was leaving some pitches up and something to work on."
Kershaw allowed two runs and two hits while striking out three in his two frames.
The young pitcher emerged a year ago with the Dodgers and finished 5-5 with a 4.26 ERA in 21 starts. He threw 107 2/3 innings overall.
"I hope I can get to 200 innings (this season). That would be a good accomplishment for me. It means I am pitching deep into games and giving the team a chance to win," Kershaw said. "If I can get to 200 innings that would be a cool accomplishment."
Colorado starter Jason Marquis, traded on Jan. 6 from the Chicago Cubs for Luis Vizcaino, made his debut with the Rockies and allowed one unearned run without surrendering a hit.
After winning at least 11 games each of the last five seasons, Marquis sees himself as not only a No. 3 or 4 starter, but also a teacher for a young staff. He figures to give back after being tutored over the years by former teammates like Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine.
"I've been around quality pitchers that have always lent a helping hand for great advice," Marquis said. "I try to pass along what I have learned. I don't pretend I know it all. I am just a guy who paid attention and asked a lot of questions."
Matt Kemp went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer for the Dodgers. Valentino Pascucci went 3-for-4, while Juan Castro was 3-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored.
Los Angeles got four runs and four hits off Josh Fogg. Mitch Jones had a grand slam off Jason Grilli for his second home run of the spring.
Colorado, winless so far, had a two-run homer from Joe Koshansky. Murton was 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Notes
Colorado utility player Jeff Baker was scratched from the DH position against the Dodgers with tenderness in his right elbow. He's listed as day to day. ... Rockies OF Ian Stewart is day-to-day with a strained left biceps suffered after going 0-for-3 on Wednesday. ... Los Angeles INF Tony Abreu injured his left groin while picking up a grounder against Seattle on Friday. He missed the entire 2008 season with right groin and hip injuries. Abreu is scheduled to have an MRI exam Sunday. ... Los Angeles agreed to terms with INF Blake DeWitt, OF Matt Kemp, C Lucas May and pitchers Scott Elbert, Victor Garate and James McDonald.
