Dodgers 4, Reds 1: Aaron Harang burned his former team by scattering three hits over seven solid innings as host Los Angeles took two of three from Cincinnati to move back atop the National League West.

Luis Cruz and James Loney ripped RBI singles to highlight a three-run first inning for the Dodgers, who won back-to-back contests for the first time since June 9-10. Los Angeles moved one-half game ahead of San Francisco, which dropped a 9-4 decision to Washington earlier on Wednesday.

Dee Gordon stole both second and third base in the eighth inning, but exited the contest after injuring his hand. Pinch runner Mark Ellis was thrown out at the plate on a grounder, but Cruz scored his second run of the game on a sacrifice fly by Adam Kennedy two batters later to cap the scoring.

Harang (5-5) was making his first start against the Reds since leaving via free agency following the 2010 season. He overcame his lone mistake - Devin Mesoraco's solo homer in the fifth inning - and struck out five to pick up the win.

After Ronald Belisario struck out the side in the eighth inning, Kenley Jansen fanned two to secure his 14th save.

The loss dropped Cincinnati a full game behind Pittsburgh in the National League Central. The Pirates posted a 6-4 triumph over Houston earlier on Wednesday.

Mike Leake (3-6) suffered his first loss since May 11 after permitting three runs on six hits in seven innings.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Prior to the game, Los Angeles placed OF Andre Ethier on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique. The move was made retroactive to June 28. ... Cincinnati continues its West Coast trip on Thursday with the opener of a four-game set at San Diego. ... Los Angeles travels to NL West rival Arizona to begin a four-game series on Thursday.