Dodgers take first place after 3-2 win over Padres

Ross Stripling delivered six scoreless innings and Andrew Toles provided the go-ahead hit in the seventh inning as the Dodgers claimed first place in the National League West for the first time all season after a 3-2 victory over the Padres.

The Dodgers (51-42) pulled a half game ahead of Arizona. The team returns to Los Angeles on Thursday evening to face the Angels for the final series of the first half.

Stripling struck out five and scattered six hits. He operated under stress for most of the evening, but avoided major calamity. His offense stayed quiet until the seventh, when they broke through against San Diego pitcher Tyson Ross. The Dodgers did not collect a hit against Ross until the…