Hiroki Kuroda
The Dodgers began the season on March 31 against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw outpitched Giants ace Tim Lincecum, striking out nine batters in seven shutout innings, as the Dodgers won 2–1. After the game, a Giants fan was seriously injured after he was assaulted in the Dodger Stadium parking lot. The incident would provoke increased security at future home games as well as a joint fundraiser by the two teams in support of the man's family. Back on the field, the Dodgers took the second game of the series also, as some aggressive baserunning by Matt Kemp and two Giants errors were just enough offense to back a solid start by Chad Billingsley in the 4–3 win. Matt Cain and three relievers combined to shut out the Dodgers 10–0 the following day, as Ted Lilly and Kenley Jansen each gave up four runs in the loss. A big seventh inning, including an RBI triple by Marcus Thames helped Hiroki Kuroda and the Dodgers take the series with a 7–5 victory in the finale.