Dodgers 4, Cubs 0
CHICAGO — The Los Angeles Dodgers struck early with four runs in the first two innings and five pitchers combined for a shutout in a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.
The Dodgers (41-33) won their second straight and salvaged a split in the four-game series.
Right-hander Carlos Frias (5-5) picked up the win in a five-inning outing for the Dodgers. Cubs left-hander Jon Lester (4-6) worked just four innings and suffered the fourth loss in his last six starts.
The loss was the second straight for the Cubs (39-32), who used five pitchers in the series finale.
The Dodgers scored twice in each of the first and second innings but were held scoreless the rest of the way.
Lester loaded the bases with one out in the first before second baseman Howie Kendrick's double down the right field line scored shortstop Jimmy Rollins and first baseman Justin Turner for a 2-0 Dodgers lead.
In the second, center fielder Enrique Hernandez tripled with one out over the head of Cubs center fielder Chris Denorfia to drive in Frias for a 3-0 lead. Rollins' base hit to center sent Hernandez home and made it 4-0.
Lester departed after four innings -- his shortest outing of the season -- and was replaced by right-hander Edwin Jackson. Lester allowed four hits, four earned runs and four walks with five strikeouts.
Frias worked five innings before being lifted for a pinch-hitter. He gave up seven hits, walked three and matched a season high with seven strikeouts.
It was Frias' first career start and third appearance against the Cubs after two relief stints in September 2014.
Cubs first baseman Anthony RIzzo went 3-for-4 with two doubles. Rollins had two hits, an RBI and a run for the Dodgers.
Turner just missed a home run in the seventh. The original home run call was overruled on a replay and he settled for a triple after the ball hit the edge of the left field basket and bounced back on the field.
NOTES: Dodgers draftee Josh Sborz was named Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series on Wednesday after going 3-0 with a save to help Virginia to the NCAA title. ... RHP Brandon League had another successful rehab outing Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out one in two scoreless innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City. ... The Dodgers will continue a 10-game, cross-country trip Friday in Miami as LHP Brett Anderson (3-4, 3.29 ERA) will meet the Marlins' Justin Nicolino (1-0, 0.00). ... LHP J.P. Howell, Wednesday's winner after working 1 1/3 innings, hasn't given up an earned run since April 10 at Arizona and leads NL relievers with a 0.42 ERA. ... The Cubs' Class A Myrtle Beach affiliate (41-28) opened second-half play Thursday after winning the Southern Division first-half championship by 3 1/2 games. ... The Cubs will open a six-game, seven-day trip Friday in St. Louis. RHP Jake Arrieta (7-5, 3.07) will go up against Cardinals RHP John Lackey (6-4, 3.41) in the series opener. ... After 70 games Wednesday, the Cubs were 39-31 and in contention for the postseason. At the same point in 2014 they were 30-40, 12 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central. ... Cubs 3B Kris Bryant left Thursday's game after the second inning with flu-like symptoms. He was replaced by Jonathan Herrera, who moved over from second. Chris Coghlan switched from left to second.