Dodgers’ Dan Haren drops fifth straight start in 8-2 loss to Cubs

KEY MOMENT: The Cubs broke a 1-1 stalemate in a disastrous third inning for the Dodgers. Ryan Sweeney singled to right field to drive in Anthony Rizzo and move the Cubs in front, 2-1. Matt Kemp fielded Sweeney’s hit and made a throw to third base that skipped past third baseman Justin Turner, which allowed Starlin Castro to also score. Sweeney scored when Dan Haren threw a wild pitch to the next batter, Wellington Castillo. Suddenly, the Dodgers were down, 4-1.

AT THE PLATE: Dee Gordon had two steals in the first inning, raising his season total to 50. Gordon scored when Hanley Ramirez hit a grounder to shortstop Castro, who made an errant throw on an attempted force-out at second base.

ON THE MOUND: Haren dropped his fifth consecutive start, as he was charged with seven runs (six earned) and eight hits over 41/3 innings. Chris Perez inherited three baserunners from Haren and all of them scored, as Perez gave up run-scoring singles to Castillo and pitcher Kyle Hendricks, as well as a sacrifice fly to Nate Schierholtz.

EXTRA BASES: With the Dodgers on the fourth day of a 20-day stretch in which they will play every day, Turner started at third base in place of Juan Uribe, who was given a day off. . … Catcher A.J. Ellis was in the lineup, even though his knee swelled up the previous night after it was struck by a foul ball. … Dallas Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett was booed when shown on the video scoreboard sitting in the owner’s box. Garrett was at Dodger Stadium as a guest of Clayton Kershaw, a Dallas-area native. … Kershaw, Ellis, Brian Wilson, Paul Maholm and Chris Perez will raise money for charity by playing fantasy football against fans. The league’s live draft will take place Aug. 22 at Dodger Stadium. For information on how to participate, visit bigleagueimpact.com.

UP NEXT: Hyun-Jin Ryu (12-5, 3.44) will face the Cubs and Tsuyoshi Wada (1-1, 3.38) at Dodger Stadium tonight at 7. On the air: SportsNet LA, SportsNet LA Spanish. Radio: 570, 1020 (Spanish).