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Dodgers eyeing first place vs. Diamondbacks

Jul 19, 2008 - 11:18 AM Los Angeles (47-49) at Arizona (47-49) 8:10 p.m EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Hitting coach Don Mattingly is already making an impression on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

After pulling into a tie for the top spot in the National League West Division, the Dodgers look to seize sole possession of first place Saturday when they continue their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Mattingly, who took over for Mike Easler and made his debut in the dugout on Friday, watched Los Angeles pound four home runs - including two from Nomar Garciaparra and a game-winner by James Loney in the 11th inning - in an 8-7 victory during the series opener.

The scoring outburst was unusual for Los Angeles, which entered Friday's game with 65 homers - tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the second-worst total in the majors - and 390 runs, the fifth-worst mark in baseball.

"We want a better approach team wise," Mattingly said. "We want to be able to attack people with what the guys are doing and have an understanding what that pitcher does, not give in to his strengths (and) make him come to us a little bit more. You got some veterans who know what they are doing and other young guys who need to keep refining their game. And that's what we are trying to do."

The Dodgers look to continue the hit parade against Diamondbacks starter Dan Haren (8-5, 2.72 ERA).

Haren has been outstanding of late, allowing two runs or less in each of his last six outings. The 27-year-old righthander allowed just two runs - one earned - and three hits, walking two while striking out nine but did not factor in the decision during Arizona's 7-5 victory over the Washington Nationals on July 10.

Chad Billingsley (9-8, 3.25) looks to to earn his sixth win in his last seven starts when he toes the rubber for the Dodgers. Billingsley has posted a 2.33 ERA in his previous six outings, striking out 38 in 33.1 innings over that span.