Lauer up to the task against first-place Dodgers
(MLB.com San Diego Padres)

The Padres wanted Eric Lauer on this stage. So much so, they maneuvered their rotation so the rookie left-hander could start in Dodger Stadium with Los Angeles in the midst of a pennant race. Lauer lived up to the moment. Hunter Renfroe and Freddy Galvis homered, and Lauer was sharp for five innings, as the Padres opened their series in Los Angeles with a 5-3 victory on Friday night. Lauer pitched five innings and allowed one run while striking out five.