Dodgers sweep D’Backs, take over first place

The Los Angeles Dodgers finished a strong six game home stand, strong enough to produce a first place record.  The Dodgers won all six games during the home stand, sweeping the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.  Los Angeles has now won eight straight.

Sunday they defeated the D’Backs 5-3, Nomar Garciaparra provided the go ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh, and James Looney knocked in three runs as well.

The Dodgers now travel to San Deiego for another set against the Padres.  The Dodgers embark upon a 10 game road trip, where they are just 28-40 on the road.

San Diego heads into the series in last place in the NL West, and almost mathematically eliminated.  They will try to play the role of spoilers to the LA Dodgers during the series.

Game 1

Greg Maddux (7-11, 4.18 ERA) will face Cha Seung Baek (4-10, 5.36 ERA) in game one.  Maddux began the season with San Diego before being traded to LA via waivers.

Game 2

Hiroki Kuroda (8-10) will face of against Wade LeBlanc (0-1) in game two.  LeBlanc will be making his second career start, his first was last week against the Dodgers when he lasted just four innings, giving up five earned runs, eight hits and three walks.

Game 3

Derrek Lowe (12-11) goes against Shawn Estes (2-1) on Wednesday.  LA is off Thursday before heading to Colorado for a three game series against the Rockies.