Dodgers unable to complete a comeback in 7-3 loss to Cubs

KEY MOMENT: Matt Kemp’s fifth home run in six games, a sixth-inning solo blast, reduced the Dodgers’ deficit to 3-2. But any chance of a comeback was lost in the eighth inning, when Brandon League walked the bases loaded and gave up three runs. League’s nightmare inning increased the Cubs’ lead to 6-2.

AT THE PLATE: Cubs starter Edwin Jackson entered the game with a 5.79 earned-run average but limited the Dodgers to two runs over six innings. The Dodgers loaded the bases against Jackson with no outs in the first inning, but scored only one run, as Hanley Ramirez hit into a double play and Kemp grounded out to third base.

ON THE MOUND: Josh Beckett failed to record an out in the fifth inning. He was lifted from the game with the pitch count at 94 and the Dodgers trailing, 3-1. Beckett was replaced by Paco Rodriguez, who pitched two scoreless innings in his first appearance since being called up from triple-A Albuquerque on Friday. Fellow left-hander J.P. Howell pitched a scoreless inning and lowered his season ERA to 1.16. However, Chris Perez continued to slump, as he served up a towering home run to Luis Valbuena in the ninth inning.

THE LINEUP CARD: Andre Ethier started for the first time in 12 days, as he entered the game as a .333 hitter in 15 career at-bats against Jackson. However, Ethier struck out twice and was removed from the game in the top of the fifth inning as part of a defensive double switch. Ethier has made only six plate appearances since his last start and has struck out each time. … Yasiel Puig (hamstring) and Adrian Gonzalez (knee) returned to the lineup. … Dee Gordon started the game on the bench, as coaches sensed he was fatigued. Gordon pinch-hit in the ninth inning. … A.J. Ellis again didn’t play, as he continued to rest a bruised knee.

UP NEXT: Zack Greinke (12-6, 2.65) will face the Angels and Garrett Richards (11-4, 2.74) at Dodger Stadium on Monday at 7 p.m. On the air: FS West, SportsNet LA, SportsNet LA Spanish. Radio: 570, 830, 1020 (Spanish), 1330 (Spanish).