Manny Hitless In Return, But Dodgers Pound Padres

July 4, 2009 7:58 a.m. EST

San Diego, CA (AHN) - Manny Ramirez, back in the lineup after serving a 50-game suspension, went hitless but his return sparked his Dodgers teammates in a 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres Friday night at Petco Park.

The Dodgers enigmatic slugger went 0-for-3 with a walk, grounding out twice and popping out once, before exiting in the sixth.

The rest of his invigorated Dodger teammates picked up the slack and scored five of their six runs in the first inning for the club's 51st win in 80 games.

During Ramirez's suspension, the Dodgers had gone 29-21.

In a pregame press conference, Ramirez apologized to his fans and teammates. He avoided going into the details of his drug case.

Rafael Furcal, back in the leadoff spot despite registering the lowest on-base percentage in the lineup, had four hits.

Russell Martin had two hits and drove in a pair of runs, while Matt Kemp also contributed a pair of RBI in the win.

The Padres finally got on board in the fourth when Scott Hairston smacked a solo shot, his 10th, off Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda (3-4), cutting the deficit to 6-1.

Kuroda picked up his third win on the season and second against the Padres.