Dodgers' Scott Kazmir: Wins on back of big early lead

Kazmir improved to 9-3 with Sunday's win over the Cardinals, allowing three runs with three strikeouts and no walks across just five innings.

Analysis:

Kazmir was staked to a massive early lead, but he was pulled after needing 96 pitches to complete five frames, thanks largely to the 25 pitches Cardinals hitter were able to foul off. He hasn't suffered a loss in nearly three months, but his ERA still sits at an uninspiring 4.35, and he has failed to last longer than five innings in six of his last nine starts. He'll need to give the Dodgers more in his next start against Arizona on Saturday.