Dodgers’ Billingsley leaves early with cramp

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Chad Billingsley pitched a strong five innings, only for his evening to be cut short by a cramp in his right hamstring.

Billingsley appeared to land awkwardly making a 2-1 pitch to Matt Diaz in the fifth inning that was called a ball. After a conference on the mound that included trainer Stan Conte, Billingsley remained in the game to face Diaz and two other batters. He got himself out of the inning by striking out pinch-hitter Greg Norton for his ninth strikeout of the night.

Jason Schmidt pinch-hit for Billingsley in the top of the sixth and singled to center. Schmidt later scored on a double by James Loney to increase the Dodgers’ lead to 5-0.

Billingsley had thrown 83 pitches when he was taken out. He struck out nine, walked only one and limited the Braves to two hits.

-- Dylan Hernandez