Postgame: Dodgers 7, Brewers 4

The Dodgers beat the Brewers 7-4 today in the finale of the first half of the season. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Dodger starter Clayton Kershaw continued his utter dominance of late, going 6+ strong innings and allowing only two hits and one run. Hiroki Kuroda came in in relief and allowed three runs of his own and Kershaw's run. Unbelievably, Kershaw now has the best ERA on the staff and the 18th best in the majors at 3.16.

• Matt Kemp had his first hitless game since July 1 -- striking out twice and leaving 5 men on in four at-bats -- but Orlando Hudson picked up the slack, hitting two solo homers.

• The Dodgers' offensive effort off of a solid starter in Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo was impressive: six hits and four walks in five innings. They scored five times off of him.

• Manny is the same old Manny, in case you were wondering. 3-for-3 and a walk puts him at a .308/.400/.654 clip since he came back.

ETC...ETC:

• Brad Ausmus went deep for his first homer of the season. That makes the Dodgers' season total of home runs from behind the plate three.

• James Loney was solid, hitting two base knocks to drive in runs. He's two behind Andre Ethier for the team lead in RBI with 54. Casey Blake has 55 as well.

• James McDonald and Ramon Troncoso pitched well in relief, going 1 2/3 scoreless.

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers will take a three-day break before hosting Houston for a four-game set beginning Thursday. Randy Wolf is scheduled to make the start.