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Diamondbacks attempt to hold on to first place in NL West

Aug 19, 2008 - 1:04 PM San Diego (48-76) at Arizona (64-60) 9:40 pm EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- After remaining on top of the National League West Division for most of the season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been feeling the heat lately. Perhaps a visit from one of the worst team's in the NL will help.

The Diamondbacks hope to retake sole possession of first place in the NL West on Tuesday when they start a three-game set against the San Diego Padres.

From April 7-July 6, Arizona held first place in the NL West until the Los Angeles Dodgers (64-60) finally closed the gap for the first time the week before the All-Star break.

Since that time, the Diamondbacks and Dodgers have not been separated by more than three games. Even though the teams have been tied atop the division five of the past six days, Los Angeles has been unable to overtake Arizona despite forging a tie on five different occasions since July 7.

Arizona attempts to keep its NL West nemesis away from sole possession of first place on Tuesday when it turns to Doug Davis (4-7, 4.79 ERA), who is 0-2 with a 12.27 ERA in three August starts. The lefthander took a no-decision in Wednesday's 6-5 setback at Colorado after allowing four runs - three earned - and six hits over five frames.

He doesn't figure to get much sympathy from Josh Banks (3-5, 4.37), who is hoping to win for only the second time since the end of May.

The righthander endured one of his worst starts Wednesday, surrendering seven runs and five hits with six walks over 4 1/3 innings in a 7-1 defeat against Milwaukee.