Dodgers cool off in 8-1 loss to Giants

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What, you thought the good-feel times were going to last forever?

The Dodgers reverted to more familiar form Sunday afternoon, falling, 8-1, to the Giants to snap their four-game winning streak.

Still, they return home off a most successful 10-game trip, going 7-3. Of course, they were hoping for 8-2 and a sweep of the Giants, but that never really appeared likely Sunday.

Hiroki Kuroda started, and if he hardly struggled as he had in his four-homer game in his last start, he definitely did struggle.

Kuroda went 4 1/3 innings, giving up three runs, eight hits and a walk. In his last four starts, Kuroda (11-16) has a 5.70 ERA.

The game got out of hand when the Giants scored five times in the sixth, the Dodgers aiding the cause with five walks (two intentional).

The Dodgers bullpen, which has been lights-out of late, buckled and the frustrated Giants were more than happy to finally take advantage.

Hong-Chih Kuo walked the first two batters in the sixth, and Andres Torres sacrificed the runners up. That sent the call to Josh Lindblom, who intentionally walked Cody Ross.

That backfired when Jeff Keppinger doubled in two runs. The Dodgers then turned to left-hander Scott Elbert, who, after striking out Carlos Beltran, intentionally walked Pablo Sandoval to load the bases.

Which, in keeping with the inning’s theme, also backfired when Elbert walked Aubrey Huff to force in Ross. Mark DeRosa singled to score two more, and it was a rout.

The struggling Giants managed 11 hits, six of which were doubles (three by Sandoval).

The Dodgers dropped back under .500 (72-73). They had won 15 of 18 before Sunday.

At least the Dodgers had this highlight defensive play from Juan Rivera.

-- Steve Dilbeck