MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers 8, Chicago Cubs 2

CHICAGO, June 1 (UPI) -- A five-run first inning, highlighted by Mark Loretta's two-run double, was all the Los Angeles Dodgers needed Sunday to defeat the Chicago Cubs 8-2.

Lorett and James Loney each finished with two RBI for the Dodgers in support of Eric Milton (2-0) who won for the second time in his three starts after not pitching at all in 2008 while recovering from arm surgery.

Milton gave up two runs on six hits over 5 /13 innings.

Sean Marshall (3-4) took the loss after giving up eight runs -- seven earned -- on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings. Marshall was accosted for five consecutive singles leading off the first inning. After Matt Kemp struck out, Loretta delivered the two-run double and Jamie Hoffman drove in Loney with a sacrifice fly to make it 5-0.

Kemp homered in the third for the Dodgers, who earned a split of the four-game series at Wrigley field and ran their record to 20-9 for May. At 35-17, Los Angeles has the best record in baseball and leads second-place San Francisco by 8 1/2 games in the NL West.

Chicago avoided a shutout with two runs on a bases-loaded double by Reed Johnson that also ended Milton's night.