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Dodgers drub Marlins

Aug 25, 2012 - 6:57 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly on the verge of a blockbuster trade, but their current lineup appeared more than capable on Friday in the opener of a three-game series against the Miami Marlins.

Andre Ethier, Hanley Ramirez, and Juan Rivera all homered in the 11-4 win for the Dodgers, who are discussing a deal which would bring in first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, outfielder Carl Crawford, right-hander Josh Beckett and infielder Nick Punto from the Boston Red Sox, according to multiple reports.

In exchange, Los Angeles would ship first baseman James Loney, who was held out of Friday's game, and minor leaguers to Boston.

"Everybody knows what is in the works," said Ethier. "We'll see what happens (Saturday)."

Ethier belted a three-run homer in the first inning, Rivera led off the second with a shot to right-center, and Ramirez added a two-run blast against his former team an inning later.

Chad Billingsley, who had won six straight starts, exited after 3 1/3 innings with a sore right elbow. The 28-year-old righty already endured a stint on the 15-day disabled list this season due to right elbow inflammation and hasn't lost since his return on July 23.

"I threw a cutter and something happened," said Billingsley. "I'm not feeling too good. The MRI showed inflammation so I guess that's good news. They told me to let it rest and we'll go from there."

Jamey Wright (5-3) earned the win after allowing three hits -- including a solo homer by Giancarlo Stanton -- over 1 2/3 innings of relief.

"I think their bullpen did a good job and their offense just kept at it," Marlins outfielder Justin Ruggiano said. "Gotta give them all the credit really, they just outplayed us."

Ethier added an RBI single during a five-run seventh and finished 4-for-4 with three runs scored for the Dodgers, who were swept by the San Francisco Giants in their previous series.

San Francisco defeated the Atlanta Braves on Friday to maintain a three-game lead over Los Angeles atop the NL West.

Nathan Eovaldi (4-9), acquired from the Dodgers in the Ramirez trade last month, was charged with six runs on seven hits over three innings in the loss.

Jose Reyes hit a first-inning, two-run homer and Bryan Petersen added an RBI groundout in the second for the Marlins, who were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first-ever doubleheader at Chase Field on Wednesday.

Matt Kemp had an RBI single in the seventh before three runs crossed the plate when third baseman Gregg Dobbs and Stanton committed errors on the same play.

Luis Cruz hit a slow roller to Dobbs, who threw the ball past Stanton at first base, allowing Kemp and Ethier to score. Cruz headed to third base on the play and came home on Stanton's errant throw across the diamond.

Ethier is now batting .387 (53-for-137) against the Marlins in his career, which is tops among active players.

"We got back into the win column and that's key," said Ethier.

Game Notes

The Dodgers have won six of their last eight games against the Marlins ... Billingsley was charged with three runs. He was the first Los Angeles pitcher to win six straight starts since Kevin Brown won seven straight in 2003 ... The five combined home runs on Friday marked a season-high for both teams ... Eovaldi fell to 0-5 in 10 career games -- seven starts -- at Dodger Stadium.