The Los Angeles Dodgers put a hurting on the Pittsburgh Pirates all weekend, culminating in a 15-1 laugher on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers matched their season high for runs scored on Sunday, all backing Chad Billingsley, who had a turnaround of sorts after a series of poor starts.
Matt Kemp hit his 34th home run of the season, and fell a triple short of the cycle. James Loney had his first career five-hit game, and rookie Jerry Sands had four hits of his own, including his first-ever home run at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers scored three runs in the first inning, then six more in the second, knocking out Pirates' starter Brad Lincoln. Pittsburgh starters on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday combined to pitch just 7 2/3 innings. On Sunday, the Pirates matched a club record for most pitchers used in a game, with eight.
Billingsley allowed one run in five innings, striking out five, to pick up his 11th win of the season. At the plate, he singled, snapping an 0-for-25 skid while batting. All nine Dodgers starters got at least one hit on Sunday.
The Dodgers are off Monday, but welcome the Giants to town beginning Tuesday, when Clayton Kershaw and Tim Lincecum face off for the fourth time this season. The Dodgers have won the first three.
For a full recap of Sunday's blowout, be sure to read True Blue LA.