Dodgers Beat World Series Champion Giants 2-1  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw struck out nine in seven dominant innings and Matt Kemp scored the go-ahead run on a throwing error by catcher Buster Posey in the sixth, sending the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 2-1 victory …

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Brewers got off to a powerful start, and the defending NL Central champions had the big finish.  —  One game in, the Reds are at it again.  —  Ramon Hernandez hit a two-out, three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday, rallying Cincinnati to a 7-6 victory …

Francona releases Red Sox lineup  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  HOUSTON — The source of much conversation and expectation, the Red Sox [team stats] Opening Day lineup was unveiled this morning by manager Terry Francona.  Only two real discussion points …

Rays sign Wade Davis to extension  —  The Tampa Bay Rays signed starting pitcher Wade Davis to a four-year extension Thursday.  —  The contract, which contains three club option years (2015-17), guarantees Davis $12.6 million.  If the Rays exercise the three option years, the 25-year-old Davis will make approximately $35.1 million.

League to close; Langerhans in center field  —  Closer role could change; outfielder's spring nets starting job  —  OAKLAND — On the eve of his team's Opening Day debut against the A's, Mariners manager Eric Wedge made two things official Thursday.  Brandon League will serve as closer …

Ankiel, Riggleman note Cox's absence  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals manager Jim Riggleman and outfielder Rick Ankiel said that it will be weird not seeing former Braves manager Bobby Cox in the opposing dugout.  —  Cox retired after the 2010 season.  He guided the Braves to five pennants and one World Series title.

Maybin home run saves Padres; Pujols 0-for-5  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cameron Maybin tied it with a two-out homer in the ninth inning and grounded a single that led to the go-ahead run in the 11th Thursday as the San Diego Padres opened with a 5-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hunter, Mathis Homer as Weaver, Angels Beat KC 4-2  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Torii Hunter and Jeff Mathis homered, helping Jered Weaver and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Thursday in a chilly season opener.  —  Weaver allowed two harmless singles to Melky Cabrera …

Nats play good defense, yet little hitting in loss  —  WASHINGTON—With Jayson Werth in right field and Adam LaRoche at first base, the Washington Nationals are sure they're going to be a much better defensive team this season.  —  And, indeed, they were absolutely fine in the field on a damp …

D'Backs Sign Josh Wilson  —  The Diamondbacks signed infielder Josh Wilson to a minor league deal, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic (Twitter links).  Wilson, who was released by the Mariners earlier in the week, will report to Triple-A Reno.

Buehrle not worried about 2012 and beyond  —  CLEVELAND — Mark Buehrle's franchise-record ninth Opening Day start with the White Sox also could be his last one thrown for the South Siders.  The talented southpaw is playing in the final season of a four-year, $56 million extension.