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Dodgers aim to continue offensive explosion

Jul 22, 2008 - 11:29 AM LA Dodgers (49-50) at Colorado (43-58) 9:05 pm EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- The All-Star break and a trip to Coors Field appear to be just what the Los Angeles Dodgers needed to get their sluggish offense rolling.

The Dodgers attempt to continue their offensive resurgence on Tuesday when they continue their three-game set against the Colorado Rockies.

Los Angeles entered the All-Star break last Tuesday with 390 runs, the fifth-worst total in the majors. In 46 of its 95 games leading up to the break, the team scored three runs or less, going 8-38 in those outings.

The second half of the season is off to a good start, however, as the Dodgers have found some uncharacteristic offense - scoring 32 runs in four contests and going 3-1 over that span.

This resurgence was highlighted by a 16-10 triumph over the Rockies in Monday's series opener at Coors Field, where the Dodgers have scored 41 runs in four games this season.

The Dodgers will try to climb back to the .500 mark for the first time since they were 27-27 on May 30 when they send rookie Clayton Kershaw (0-2, 4.42 ERA) to the mound. The team's top prospect, who is still seeking his first major league victory, went 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in three minor league starts this month after being optioned on July 2.

Colorado will answer with Ubaldo Jimenez (5-9, 4.20), who has a 7.32 ERA in four starts against Los Angeles despite his 2-0 record against the club. The 24-year-old righthander won for the third time in four starts in Thursday's 5-3 win over Pittsburgh after allowing three runs and five hits over seven innings.