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Dodgers resume set with Rockies in LA

May 31, 2011 - 3:07 PM (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Dodgers will try to best the Colorado Rockies for the sixth time in eight meetings this evening in the middle portion of a three-game series between the National League West residents at Chavez Ravine.

The Dodgers won 11 of their 18 games versus the Rockies last year, taking the final four matchups. Colorado opened up the 2011 season series by sweeping a two-game set at home on April 5-6, but Los Angeles posted a 7-1 victory in last night's opener.

James Loney paced the offense with a two-run homer and drove in three runs in all, while Andre Ethier added two hits and three RBI to help the Dodgers improve to 3-1 on a six-game homestand.

Chad Billingsley gave up a career-high 11 hits over his seven-inning outing, but allowed just one run to improve to 4-4 on the season. He also struck out eight.

"I had to make pitches when I had to," Billingsley said. "I threw out of the stretch a lot tonight."

Ty Wigginton hit a solo homer for the Rockies, who have lost nine of their last 11 games and now sit 4 1/2 games back of the Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West. Colorado went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and dropped the opener of a nine-game road trip.

Jason Hammel allowed seven runs on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings to suffer the loss. He hasn't won since April 30.

"I am frustrated. It's not fun right now. We have to make it fun," Hammel said.

Clayton Mortensen will look to avoid dropping his third start in a row when he goes tonight for the Rockies.

The 26-year-old righty gave up four runs on five hits and three walks over six innings against Arizona on Thursday. The big blow came when he walked consecutive batters in the fourth inning before yielding a three-run homer.

"The walks are what killed me tonight," Mortensen said.

Mortensen is 1-2 with a 2.83 earned run average in seven games this year, including four starts, and has a 1.84 ERA in three road appearances. He faces the Dodgers for the first time in his career.

Taking the hill for the Dodgers Tuesday night is Ted Lilly, who posted his second straight no-decision on Wednesday even though he pitched well enough to win. Lilly allowed a run on six hits and one walk over six innings, but his club dropped a 2-1 decision. The run Lilly allowed came on a homer, the eighth one he has given up in May.

The 35-year-old lefty is 3-4 with a season-low 4.41 ERA in 11 starts and 5-2 with a 4.47 ERA in eight career matchups with the Rockies.