Dodgers' hot-hitting 2B Kent leaves game with back stiffness

HOUSTON -- Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent left Thursday's game in Houston with stiffness in his back.

Kent walked, singled and scored a run in his first two at-bats. He lined out to Geoff Blum in the top of the fifth inning and came out to play the field for the bottom of the inning.

Before the Astros' half of the inning began, trainer Stan Conte and manager Joe Torre came out of the dugout to check on him. Kent walked off the field. Luis Maza, who started the game at shortstop, moved to Kent's spot and Angel Berroa came into the game to take Maza's position.

Kent came into the game hitting .375 in his last 14 games. He was 7-for-13 in the Dodgers' four-game series in Houston, including the game-winning homer in Tuesday's 7-6 win and two RBI doubles in Wednesday's 4-1 victory.