For the second straight day, the Dodgers had two big offensive innings, coupled with a solid starting pitching performance, leading to a 7-1 win over the Rockies on Memorial Day at Dodger Stadium. James Loney had three hits and hit his second home run of the homestand, leading a 14-hit attack, which was more than enough to back Chad Billingsley. The Dodgers' starter allowed 11 hits in his seven innings, but just one run as the Dodgers won for the third time in their last four games.
Billingsley allowed a solo home run to Ty Wigginton in the fourth inning, but that was the only run scored by Colorado, who was 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. The Rockies grounded into three double plays on the night. Billingsley walked two and struck out eight batters, improving to 4-4 on the season. It was the second straight Memorial Day start for Billingsley, who struck out 11 and allowed four runs in eight innings in a no-decision against Arizona last season.
The Dodgers rallied for four runs in the third inning, thanks to four straight singles followed by a botched sacrifice fly turned force play, followed by another single, by Loney. Matt Kemp lofted a would-be sacrifice fly to center fielder Dexter Fowler, but Fowler dropped the ball and was able to retire Andre Ethier on a force out at second base. That cleared the way for Kemp to steal second base, then score on Loney's single.
Rafael Furcal had two hits for the third straight game. Jamey Carroll snapped an 0-for-16 string with an infield single and a triple. Ted Lilly faces Clayton Mortensen in the second game of the series Tuesday night.
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