Kuroda, Dodgers open season with a win over Padres

Dodgers hurler Hiroki Kuroda of Japan out-pitched San Diego ace Jake Peavy as Los Angeles launched the 2009 Major League Baseball season with a 4-1 victory.

Dodgers manager Joe Torre tabbed Kuroda for the opening day outing after his wins in last season's playoffs, and Kuroda rewarded his faith by holding the Padres to four hits in 5 2/3 innings as the Dodgers notched their first victory over Peavy since September 13, 2003.

Kuroda retired 17 of 18 batters in a stretch that started in the first inning and went into the sixth.

However he then loaded the bases and had to be rescued by Cory Wade.

The Dodgers got the victory without a hit from slugger Manny Ramirez, who went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Matt Kemp belted a home run to centerfield off Peavy and James Loney had three hits, including a two-run single.

The game was one of a dozen on Monday's slate, after the reigning World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies opened the season on Sunday night at home against the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves spoiled the Phillies' celebratory night with a 4-1 victory.

In Baltimore, US Vice President Joe Biden threw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Orioles hosted the New York Yankees.

The Orioles notched a 10-5 victory over the high-priced Yankees, whose starter CC Sabathia allowed six runs and didn't make it through the fifth inning.

New York, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993 last season, shelled out 423.5 million dollars on free agents Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Mark Teixeira during the offseason.

But it was the Orioles, who finished last in the American League East last season, who got the win in front of the largest Opening Day crowd ever at Camden Yards - 48,607.

The Boston Red Sox will have to wait another day to launch their campaign after rain postponed their home game against Tampa Bay.