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Dodgers build big lead, hold off Rockies

Jul 26, 2011 - 6:46 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Andre Ethier hit a two-run home run and finished with three RBI as the Los Angeles Dodgers took an 8-5 win over the Colorado Rockies to open a three-game set.

Aaron Miles drove in two and scored once while Rafael Furcal had an RBI and two runs scored for the Dodgers, who have won three straight. Rubby De La Rosa (4-4) had dropped his past four decisions, but went six innings in the win as he gave up just one run on three hits with four walks and five strikeouts.

Dexter Fowler finished with two hits and two RBI for the Rockies, who have dropped their past three games. Juan Nicasio (4-3) was tagged for five runs on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers took an 8-1 lead into the ninth inning, but nearly gave it away.

Hong-Chih Kuo started the frame on the mound, but the only out he got was an Ian Stewart groundout that scored Seth Smith. After Chris Iannetta worked a walk, Mike MacDougal took the mound and fared no batter.

Ryan Spilborghs drew a walk and Fowler singled home another run to make it a five-run game. Jason Giambi then reached base when Jamey Carroll misplayed his grounder and Iannetta scored. Todd Helton then followed with a bases-loaded walk to put the tying run at first base.

Javy Guerra then took the mound and shut it down as he got Troy Tulowitzki to pop out to short and induced a groundout from Smith for his eighth save of the season.

"You wouldn't think we'd be in that position in the ninth inning," said Colorado manager Jim Tracy. "We just didn't go down and took advantage of some wildness. The opportunity was there, but we couldn't capitalize on it."

Fowler gave the Rockies an early lead with an RBI single in the second, but Miles hit an RBI double in the third and Ethier followed with his 10th home run of the season for a 3-1 lead.

Juan Rivera hit an RBI double in the sixth and scored later in the inning when Dioner Navarro singled him home for a 5-1 lead.

The Dodgers got three runs that they would later need in the bottom of the eighth. With the bases loaded and one out, Furcal hit into a fielder's choice that scored Navarro. Miles and Ethier then hit consecutive RBI singles for an 8-1 lead.

"You don't want to finish a game like that, but it's a win," said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. "I'd rather be on this side with a win than on the other side."

Game Notes

Each team has won five times in the season series...The Rockies batted just 2- for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine batters...All of Nicasio's losses this year have come on the road...Before the game, the Rockies reinstated pitcher Esmil Rogers from the 15-day disabled list and designated pitcher Eric Stults for assignment.