Dodgers Bludgeon Cubs for Split

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-2, splitting the four-game series to two games apiece. The Dodgers had five consecutive singles to start the first inning, en route to hanging five runs by the time the third out was recorded. Matt Kemp homered in the third, and the Dodgers never looked back. Eric Milton had his second win in as many starts, allowing only two runs in five-and-one-third innings of work, and the bullpen shut down Chicago for the rest of the night. The 1-7 hitters in the LA lineup each had a hit and either an RBI or a run scored. Mark Loretta and James Loney both doubled and drove in two runs, Russell Martin reached base four times and scored twice, and Rafael Furcal had two hits and scored a run. Reed Johnson had three hits for the Cubs, including a two-run double that provided all of Chicago's offense.

Eric Stults was placed on the 15-day disabled list for his sore left thumb. He sprained the thumb in a start, and had to skip his turn in the rotation to recover. He then returned against Colorado and Chicago, giving up eight runs, nine hits, and seven walks in 7.1 innings combined. Travis Schlichting was called up from Double-A to take his place, though the replacement will most likely be short-lived. Hiroki Kuroda is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start tomorrow's game against Arizona. It will be Kuroda's first start since his opening-day debut where he went 5-and-two-thirds innings, allowing only one run on four hits.

Cubs Shell Dodgers in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago Cubs 7-0, their first shutout loss of the season. The Dodgers could manage only five hits and two walks through the entire game. The Cubs enjoyed what could be Eric Stults's last start with the club before being sent down to the minors, scoring four runs off of him in three-plus innings of work. Jeff Weaver was unable to keep LA in the game, giving up three runs in 2.1 innings. Reed Johnson had three hits, including a homer, two runs scored and two RBI, and Milton Bradley collected three hits. Mike Fontenot had a double and a triple and drove in two runs. Matt Kemp had two hits, and Andre Ethier and Russell Martin doubled but to no avail.