Ted Lilly pitched seven strong innings, and Matt Kemp homered and drove in four runs, leading the Dodgers to an 8-2 win over the Rockies, the third straight win for the Dodgers. Lilly allowed just two runs on four hits in his seven innings, walking none and striking out eight. He has pitched quality starts in each of his last three starts, allowing a total of six runs in 20 innings (a 2.70 ERA) during that span.
Kemp opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the first inning, his 13th of the season. Then in the third inning, Colorado manager Jim Tracy opted to walk Andre Ethier with first base open to face Kemp, who drove in two more runs with a single. Kemp is on pace of 38 home runs and 41 stolen bases this season.
Casey Blake hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning for the Dodgers, who scored seven runs for their third straight game. The Dodgers' top four hitters -- Jamey Carroll, Blake, Ethier, and Kemp -- reached base nine times in 16 plate appearances tonight. Clayton Mortensen took the loss for the Rockies, who were a dismal 8-21 during May.
Jon Garland pitches for the Dodgers Wednesday night, as they go for the sweep against Ubaldo Jimenez and the Rockies.
For more news and information on the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.