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Sliding Dodgers face struggling Padres

Apr 27, 2007 - 2:54 PM LA Dodgers (13-9) at San Diego (12-10) 10:05 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers will look to snap a four-game losing streak when they face the San Diego Padres in the opener of a three-game series at Petco Park on Friday.

The Dodgers had the best record in the majors at 13-5 last Saturday before going on their skid. In its last contest, Los Angeles blew an early three-run lead en route to a 5-4 loss to the rival San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

The Padres also have struggled recently, losing three of their last four contests, including a 7-4 defeat to Arizona on Thursday. San Diego concluded its two-city, six-game road trip with a 3-3 record.

Opening a six-game homestand, the Padres turn to Clay Hensley (1-3, 9.45 ERA), who picked up his first win of the season in his last outing.

However, it has been a rough start for the righthander, who has allowed 23 runs - 21 earned - and 34 hits in 20 innings in four starts this season. But on Saturday, he yielded two runs and 10 hits in six innings in a 7-3 win at Colorado.

The Dodgers will counter with Mark Hendrickson (1-0, 1.62), who picked up a win in his first start this season. The lefthander yielded one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 8-1 win at Colorado last Thursday - his first start after three relief appearances.