The Los Angeles Dodgers got production from the middle of their order on Wednesday night in their 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium, the second straight win for the Dodgers. At 5-1, the Dodgers have the best record in baseball.
Juan Rivera had three hits, including a pair of RBI singles, in the win, and Andre Ethier had two hits and an RBI of his own, his team-leading 10th run batted in of the season. Matt Kemp chipped in with three hits and a run, though his RBI streak was snapped at nine games.
They helped make a winner out of Chad Billingsley (2-0), who allowed just one run in six innings while striking out four and walking none. Billingsley was pulled for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth with the Dodgers up 2-1 but threatening with the bases loaded and two outs. He threw just 77 pitches.
Manager Don Mattingly likes what he sees so far from Billingsley.
"Some of the things that Rick [Honeycutt, pitching coach] talked about last year, him working on through the winter, it looks like it's paying off," Mattingly said.
The Dodgers go for the sweep on Thursday night, wtih Chris Capuano facing Jeff Karstens in the finale.
For more news and notes on Vin Scully and the Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.