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Dodgers honor Jackie Robinson with win over Padres

Apr 16, 2007 - 6:38 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers honored Jackie Robinson in more ways than one.

On Jackie Robinson Day, Andre Ethier drove in four runs and Russell Martin knocked in two more as the Dodgers posted a 9-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.

Randy Wolf pitched six effective innings for the Dodgers, whom Robinson played all 10 of his seasons with - all when the franchise was in Brooklyn.

"It was special for me to be able to pitch on such a special day for the Dodgers organization," Wolf said.

The Hall of Fame second baseman broke the color barrier with the team 60 years ago Sunday against the Boston Braves, and Major League Baseball rolled out the red carpet for Robinson and his family Sunday to honor the anniversary.

"Robinson meant so much for the sport and with all the pregame things that went on before the game it felt like it was Opening Day again," said Padres outfielder Mike Cameron, who wore Robinson's number.

In celebration of his courage, select players around baseball wore his famous No. 42 and each member of the Dodgers took the field wearing the number. Commissioner Bud Selig retired it throughout the league 10 years ago but brought the number back for one day.

"He meant so much for the game of baseball and so many African-American players over the years, and it was an honor to be able to wear his number," Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre said.

Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, long-time Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully and Selig addressed the crowd prior the game, and Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson threw out first pitches.

But it was Los Angeles which capped the celebration with stellar play. Martin and Ethier started a two-run second inning rally with a walk and single, respectively, setting up Wilson Valdez's RBI double against San Diego starter Chris Young. Rafael Furcal's run-scoring grounder made it 3-0.

"I got early run support which helped me relax and just go out and pitch my game," Wolf said.

One inning later, after back-to-back hits by Luis Gonzalez and Martin, Ethier doubled in both runners to increase the advantage to 5-1.

"I haven't gotten a lot of playing time lately because I have been struggling at the plate," Ethier said. "I felt like I was more patient at the plate and I got the pitches I was looking for."

Wolf (2-1) allowed three runs and six hits in six frames, while striking out seven and walking one.

"He (Wolf) threw a great game tonight," Dodgers catcher Russell Martin said.

Young (1-1) had a disappointing outing, yielding five runs - four earned - and seven hits in two innings.

"I just couldn't get anything over for a strike," Young said. "I struggled with my control from the beginning. I have to just put this start behind me and get ready for my next start."