While it was only a matter of time before the Dodgers would pick up their first win of the the 2010 season, Dodger fans could not help but worry a bit that this day would never come after seeing their club sputter out of the gate in the first two games of the season-opening series with the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. On a day when Joe Torre rested 5 of his regulars, the Dodgers offense pounced to an early lead against Pirates’ starter Pat Maholm and never looked back. The offense was lead by reserve infielder Ronnie Belliard, who hit a home run and plated 4 men in total. Starter Chad Billingsley gave up one run over 5 hits and four walks while throwing 107 pitches over 5 1/3 innings. Billingsley also struck out seven on the day.

The Dodgers take a rested group of regulars (but an overworked bullpen) to Florida for the start of a three game weekend series before heading home for next Tuesday’s season opener against the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks.