Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers fall to St. Louis Cardinals, 3-1

KEY MOMENT: Jhonny Peralta broke a 1-1 stalemate in the fifth inning, when he drove in two runs on a double to right-center field off Hyun-Jin Ryu. Center fielder Scott Van Slyke appeared to pull up while pursuing the ball when he saw right fielder Yasiel Puig coming his way.

AT THE PLATE: Dee Gordon had three hits and drove in the Dodgers’ only run in the second inning, when he singled to right field. Cardinals starter Carlos Martinez lasted only 4 1/3 innings, but the Dodgers failed to score any runs against the visiting relievers.

ON THE MOUND: Ryu lost for only the second time in eight starts. He was charged with three runs and nine hits over seven innings. He served up a solo home run to Yadier Molina in the fourth inning.

MEDICAL REPORT: Hanley Ramirez didn’t start for the fourth consecutive game, as he continued to recover from an irritated right shoulder. Manager Don Mattingly remained hopeful that Ramirez could avoid the disabled list. “I don’t anticipate that right now,” Mattingly said Carl Crawford, who has been sidelined because of ankle and Achilles’ tendon problems, has started working out at the Dodgers’ spring-training complex in Arizona Second base prospect Alex Guerrero has started light workouts in Arizona. Guerrero is recovering from surgery to reattach a piece of his ear that was bitten off in a fight with former triple-A teammate Miguel Olivo.

DISCIPLINARY REPORT: Van Slyke received his first career ejection, as home plate umpire Bill Miller tossed him in the bottom of the sixth inning for arguing balls and strikes.

UP NEXT: Zack Greinke (9-4, 2.89 ERA) will face the Cardinals and Lance Lynn (8-5, 2.90) at Dodger Stadium on Saturday at 4 p.m. On the air: Channel 11; Radio: 570, 1020.