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Dodgers use only relievers in 8-5 win over Cubs

Matt Kemp celebrates with Yasiel Puig after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of the Dodgers' 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday at Wrigley Field.
Matt Kemp celebrates with Yasiel Puig after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of the Dodgers’ 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday at Wrigley Field.
(Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press)
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Dodgers 8, Cubs 5

KEY MOMENT: Without a starting pitcher available, the Dodgers used six relievers to get through the game. The best performance of the day was turned in by Chris Perez. With the Dodgers’ leading, 6-4, Perez pitched a perfect sixth inning. The Dodgers added a run in the seventh inning to increase their edge to 7-4, after which Perez recorded the first out of the bottom half of the inning. Perez, who retired all four batters he faced, was credited with the victory. Perez’s earned-run average was at 5.03 when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 4 because of bone spurs in his left ankle. He returned Sept. 1. Since then, he has pitched seven times and held the opposition scoreless. “The time off gave me time to clear my mind,” Perez said.

AT THE PLATE: Matt Kemp drove in four runs, including two on a third-inning home run. Adrian Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to nine games with a run-scoring double in the first inning. The run batted in was Gonzalez’s 112th, the most in baseball. Yasiel Puig was two for five and scored a career-high four runs. Puig batted .419 (18 for 43) and scored 15 runs on the 10-game trip.

ON THE MOUND: Reliever Jamey Wright started the game for the Dodgers and pitched two innings. He was charged with a run. Carlos Frias was charged with three runs in three innings. Paco Rodriguez made another scoreless appearance, recording the final two outs of the seventh inning to bolster his candidacy for the postseason roster. Pedro Baez gave up a solo home run in the eighth inning. Kenley Jansen recorded his 43rd save.

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EXTRA BASES: Dee Gordon was hitless in five at-bats, ending his multihit game streak at eight. … Juan Uribe was back in the lineup. Uribe sat out the game Saturday because of tightness in his groin area. … Former UCLA runner Justin Patananan won the inaugural Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation 5K at Dodger Stadium in 16 minutes 43 seconds. Karina Vega was the top female finisher in 20:07.

UP NEXT: Dan Haren (13-11, 4.14 ERA) will face Jake Peavy (6-4, 2.16) and the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Monday at 7 p.m. . On the air: SportsNet LA, KDOC. Radio: 570, 1020.

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