And they did it in a crisp 2:16, making the sportswriters just as happy as the fans. Chad Billingsley was solid, scattering five hits over 7 2/3 innings. Nomar Garciaparra had the big hit for the Dodgers, a two-run single with the bases loaded in the sixth to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead, and the Dodgers tacked on another one when James Loney followed with a run-scoring groundout. That was all it took for the boys to improve to 50-52. Snakes are pounding the Giants in the ninth, so the Dodgers will stay one game back. … BTW, I’m missing tomorrow’s game, first one all year, so unless someone else steps up, this blog is going to take a day off, as well. I’ll check in with you early Sunday morning. Have a great weekend, everybody.