Marlins rookie Burke Badenhop will take a third stab at his first Major League victory on Thursday when he starts the finale of the three-game series against the Dodgers.

Fans feeling the pinch of a recession continue to flock to ballparks, exhibiting loyalty while defying logic.

Two constants in the Marlins' early success have been Scott Olsen and the bullpen. So the law of averages suggested both were due for an off night. That's what happened Wednesday in a 13-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Working out on the carpet in the Los Angeles Dodgers' clubhouse, first baseman James Loney observed the postgame throng around Chad Billingsley. "What did he do?" Loney asked, feigning bewilderment. "I got my first win of the year," Billingsley answered with a mixture of pride and relief. The right-hander struck out eight in seven innings to help the Dodgers extend their winning streak to five games...

Marlins reliever Matt Lindstrom was lifted in the eighth inning on Wednesday night with tightness in his lower back.

Lost in the box score on Tuesday night was Doug Waechter's four innings of scoreless relief. While he wasn't involved in the decision, Waechter's significance was that he preserved the rest of the bullpen, and gave the offense a chance to rally.

There was still a buzz in the Marlins clubhouse the day after second baseman Dan Uggla went lunging into the stands to haul in Rafael Furcal's foul pop.

Looking at the big picture, the Marlins are more interested in the long haul than the short run. That's why there is no rush to get left fielder Josh Willingham into action.

As encouraging as the Marlins' fast start has been, there is a reality among the organization that in order to remain competitive, they need to stay healthy.

They rallied, and they made three highlight-reel defensive plays. But in the end, it wasn't enough. Jeff Kent's two-out single to center enabled the Dodgers to prevail 7-6 over the Marlins on Tuesday night.