Chad Billingsley returns in winning form for Dodgers
Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley made a triumphant return from the disabled list, giving up only one run in six innings, and Luis Cruz hit a three-run home run in a 5-3 victory over the Cardinals in St. Louis on Monday night.
Billingsley (5-9) ended a five-start losing streak, giving up seven hits while striking out four and walking one, to help the Dodgers win their fifth in a row. He had been on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his right elbow.
Cruz hit his second homer of the season, a three-run shot in the second inning that just cleared the left-field wall, to open the scoring.
Three relievers threw an inning each, including Kenley Jansen, who struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 19th save this season. Jamey Wright and Ronald Belasario each gave up a run in their inning of work.
Carlos Beltran hit his 22nd home run of the season in the eighth inning off Belasario to cut the Cardinals’ deficit to 5-3. St. Louis, though, was one for seven with runners in scoring position.
Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis had a two-run double in the seventh inning, driving in Tony Gwynn Jr., who got a pinch-hit single to raise his average to .500 (eight for 16) in those situations this season.
Cardinals rookie starter Joe Kelly (1-3) gave up four hits and two earned runs in six innings.
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