Postgame: Cubs 3, Dodgers 1

The Cubs beat the Dodgers 3-1 today. For a full recap and boxscore click here.

THE BARE ESSENTIALS:

• Chad Billingsley was effective, but didn't have his best stuff. He lasted six innings, allowing three earned runs and nine hits.

• The Dodgers' only run came in the second inning off a Tony Abreu RBI single. It was only Abreu's second start with the big club this year.

• The Cubs' Ryan Dempster went 7+ innings, allowing only four baserunners and one earned run.

ETC...ETC:

• Cubs closer Carlos Marmol pitched an impressive ninth to get the save; he struck out two Dodgers, including Manny Ramirez on a called strike three to end the game.

• Mark Loretta made another start at first base and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. The Dodgers only had three hits: Abreu's, a pinch-hit single by Juan Pierre, and a double by Andre Ethier.

• With a Colorado victory, the Dodgers are now just 3.5 games in front of the Rockies.

ON DECK:

• The Dodgers have a day off tomorrow before traveling to Colorado for a three-game set.