Dodgers 9, Marlins 1

The Dodgers get good pitching and good hitting salvage the last game of the series and go into the All-Star break on a high note.

Chad Billingsley got the win, he's 9-8. Andrew Miller lost, he's 5-9.

Chad Billingsley had an excellent start, going seven innings, giving up only one run on five hits, while striking out a career high 13. Also, a really good sign for Billingsley: no walks. He had his command today. Joe Beimel and Cory Wade pitched a scoreless inning each to keep the Marlins in check.

The Dodger offense, while only scoring eight runs in the first three games of this series, managed to plate nine runs today, including six in the 1st inning. Except for the pitcher's spot, everyone in the starting lineup managed to score a run, and six of the nine had RBIs in the game. Matt Kemp had an especially good game, going 3-4 with a double, two stolen bases, and two RBIs. Nomar Garciaparra went 2-3 with two RBIs as well.

With the win today, the Dodgers took four of seven in the season series against the Marlins. They also moved within a game back of the Diamondbacks for first. They'll face the Diamondbacks in the next series starting Friday.

Also: Dodger shortstop prospect Ivan De Jesus went 2-3 with a walk in the All-Star Futures game in New York.