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Loney leads the way as Dodgers beat Rockies

May 31, 2011 - 3:55 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - James Loney hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs, as the Los Angeles Dodgers handled the Colorado Rockies, 7-1, in the opener of a three-game series.

Andre Ethier went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored for the Dodgers, who improved to 3-1 on a six-game homestand.

Chad Billingsley (4-4) gave up one run on 11 hits over seven innings to pick up the win. He also struck out eight and walked two.

"I had to make pitches when I had to," Billingsley said. "I threw out of the stretch a lot tonight."

Ty Wigginton hit a solo homer for the Rockies, who have lost nine of their last 11 games.

Jason Hammel (3-5) allowed seven runs on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings to suffer the loss. He hasn't won since April 30.

"I am frustrated. It's not fun right now. We have to make it fun," Hammel said.

The Rockies had a runner thrown out at home in the first inning. Carlos Gonzalez hit a two-out single, stole second and was gunned down at home on Troy Tulowitzki's base hit.

Colorado left men in scoring position in the second and third.

The Dodgers capitalized with a four-run third. Billingsley, Rafael Furcal and Jamey Carroll hit three straight singles to quickly load the bases. Ethier followed with a two-run single to center. Matt Kemp then grounded into a fielder's choice to plate another run. Kemp stole second and crossed the plate on Loney's base hit for a 4-0 lead.

Wigginton's solo shot to left-center field in the fourth put the Rockies on the board.

Los Angeles used a three-run fifth to essentially put the game out of reach. Carroll led off with a triple and scored on Ethier's base hit. Three batters later, Loney hit a two-run homer to right-center field to make it a 7-1 contest.

Colorado loaded the bases with one out in the seventh, but Tulowitzki grounded into a double play.

Matt Guerrier and Javy Guerra each tossed a scoreless inning of relief to secure the victory.

Game Notes

Los Angeles won 11 of 18 versus Colorado a season ago, but the Rockies opened up the season series this year by sweeping a two-game set at home on April 5-6...Billingsley improved to 3-5 lifetime against the Rockies...Colorado started a nine-game road trip on Monday. The Rockies also started a stretch of 16 straight against fellow National League West residents...Colorado went 1- for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13...Todd Helton had three hits for the Rockies.