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Martin, Ethier lead Dodgers over Marlins

Jul 9, 2007 - 12:07 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers emphatically ended a losing streak on Sunday.

Russell Martin and Andre Ethier each hit home runs as the Dodgers posted a 9-3 victory over the Florida Marlins.

Ramon Martinez added two RBI for the Dodgers, who snapped a four-game skid and prevented the Marlins from earning their first sweep at Dodger Stadium.

"It's great to end the first half with a win," Dodgers manager Grady Little said. "It's a good reminder of how good we are ... we had some good times and some bad times this half, we found ourselves near the top of the league but the best part is yet to come."

Working on just three days rest, Mark Hendrickson (3-4) earned the win for the Dodgers, who gave the 6-9 lefthander more than enough run support early on.

Martin delivered a two-run homer in the first off starter Scott Olsen (6-7) and the lead grew to 3-0 later in the frame on an RBI single by Martinez.

Wes Obermueller started the second inning in place of Olsen, who was bothered by a stiff back. The Dodgers took advantage of the situation, posting five runs in the frame.

After back-to-back singles by Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre to start the frame, Martin delivered an RBI single. With one out was recorded, Nomar Garciaparra extended the lead to 5-0 with another run-scoring base hit.

After James Loney grounded into a force out for the second out of the inning, Ethier hit a three-run homer over the center field wall.

"We put it together offensively, we couldn't have drawn up a better ending to the first half." Little said.

En route to his first win since May 2, Hendrickson allowed two runs, four hits and one walk while striking out six in five innings.

"(Hendrickson) had great control, mixed in his changeup well, kept his fastball down, he really came into his own today." said Martin, who called the game behind the plate.

Olsen's three earned runs came on five hits and one walk. Obermueller allowed six runs, six hits and four walks while striking out two in three innings.

Hanley Ramirez had two hits and an RBI for the Marlins, who have not swept the Dodgers since September 6-8, 1999.

Though penciled into the starting lineup, Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera did not play in the game due to a jammed left shoulder. Cabrera sustained the injury when he made a diving stop on a grounder by Ethier during Saturday's game here. He is listed as day-to-day and his status for Tuesday's All-Star game is uncertain.

Dodgers right fielder Matt Kemp left the game in the second inning with right hamstring strain.