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Dodgers, Rockies meet in key NL West battle

Aug 17, 2007 - 3:38 PM Colorado (62-58) at LA Dodgers (62-59) 10:40 pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- With their recent offensive woes hopefully solved, the Los Angeles Dodgers start a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies on Friday.

The Dodgers, winners of two straight games, scored 12 runs in their last two victories - a total that is only five less than the number of runs the team managed in their 10 losses in August.

The Rockies are on the other end of the spectrum, having scored nine or more runs in a game five times this month.

Los Angeles may need to call on that re-discovered offense as they send Mark Hendrickson (4-7, 5.20 ERA) to the mound.

Hendrickson has not won a start since July 8, and was pounded for eight runs and 11 hits in 2 2/3 innings of Sunday's 12-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, the 6-9 lefthander has enjoyed much success vs. Colorado, going 2-0 with a 0.77 ERA in four lifetime appearances - one start.

Josh Fogg (7-7, 4.64) has not had near the problems Hendrickson has had lately, winning two straight starts and four of his last five decisions. In Saturday's 15-2 rout of the Chicago Cubs, the righthander allowed two runs and five hits over six frames.

The 30-year-old is 2-4 with a 4.40 ERA against the Dodgers in nine career appearances - seven starts. Yet, he will be facing them for the first time this season.