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Dodgers surging back into playoff race

Sep 3, 2008 - 12:53 PM San Diego (53-85) at LA Dodgers (69-70) 10:10 p.m. EDT

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers go for their fifth straight win on Wednesday when they wrap up their series against the San Diego Padres.

Just last week, Los Angeles' playoff hopes were fading - the club lost eight in a row and 10 of 11 on a disastrous road trip to drop as many as 4 1/2 games out of first.

But, they are back within 1 1/2 games of the Arizona Diamondbacks (70-68) in the National League West Division thanks to a sizzling offense which has scored 26 runs during the four-game surge.

Hiroki Kuroda (7-10, 3.87 ERA) hopes to benefit from the recent offensive outburst when he takes the mound for the Dodgers. Kuroda has lost his last two decisions, including his last start when he retired the first 10 batters he faced before surrendering four runs - two earned - and four hits in five innings en route to a 9-3 loss to the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Wade LeBlanc makes his major league debut when he counters for the Padres. LeBlanc, who was recalled from Class AAA Portland on Monday, was 11-9 with a 5.32 ERA in 26 games - 25 starts - with the Beavers this season. The 24-year-old lefthander has improved in the second half, posting a 4-2 record and 2.86 ERA.