Three-run fourth inning sparks Dodgers to 7-1 win over Marlins

KEY MOMENT: The Dodgers scored three times in the top of the fourth inning to extend their lead to 5-1. The Marlins had a chance to reduce, if not eliminate, the deficit in the bottom of the inning, only to be foiled by Dodgers starter Brett Anderson. The left-hander allowed the first two batters of the inning to reach base, but struck out major league home run leader Giancarlo Stanton. Anderson preserved the four-run margin by forcing the next two batters, Marcell Ozuna and Jeff Baker, to ground out.

ON THE MOUND: Anderson pitched seven innings and struck out 10 batters to match his career high. “It felt like I struck out 30, compared to what I’ve been doing,” said Anderson, who limited the Marlins to five hits and a walk. Anderson’s performance provided the bullpen with some much-needed rest, as Manager Don Mattingly had to use only two relievers on this night: Adam Liberatore and Pedro Baez. Liberatore struck out three in a scoreless eighth. Baez, who was activated from the disabled list before the game, struck out three in a perfect ninth.

AT THE PLATE: The Dodgers overturned an early 1-0 deficit with a two-run home run by Scott Van Slyke in the second inning. They scored three runs in the fourth inning, two on a single by Jimmy Rollins and another on one by Anderson. Adrian Gonzalez and Alex Guerrero both had two hits, with Guerrero driving in two runs. Howie Kendrick was four for five with a run batted in.

EXTRA BASES: Yasiel Puig didn’t start for the third consecutive day, but pinch-hit in the eighth inning and grounded out. Puig, who has been bothered by a ruptured callus on his left hand, played the final two innings in right field. … Baez returned to the active roster after sitting out nearly six weeks because of a strained pectoral muscle. While he inherited a six-run lead in the ninth inning, he said, “I treated it as if it was a close game.” To create a place for Baez on the active roster, the Dodgers optioned Ian Thomas to triple-A Oklahoma City.

UP NEXT: Clayton Kershaw (5-5, 3.33 ERA) will face the Marlins and Tom Koehler (5-4, 3.76) at Marlins Park on Saturday at 1 p.m. PDT. TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.