NL West rivals clash in Arizona

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Posted by Cappers Mall on 07.17.2008

Arizona's late slump near the end of the first half of thee season allowed Los Angeles to get back into the National League West race, and the two will do battle on Saturday night at Chase Field when the Diamondbacks host the Dodgers in the second of a three-game series.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks – 8:10 PM ET
Chad Billingsley (9-8, 3.25) ended the first half by winning five of his last six starts, including a 9-1 rout of Florida at home. Billingsley scattered a single run on five hits over seven strong innings, and he struck out a career-high 13 batters, putting him in second place in the National League in that category. The 23-year-old righthander has always been highly touted, and last year's 12-5 mark put a lot of pressure on him, but looks as though he is ready to become the ace of the Dodgers' staff. However, he has not fared well against the Diamondbacks this season, losing both of his starts with an ERA of 9.72.

Dan Haren (8-5, 2.72) was unfortunate to earn a no-decision in a 7-5 extra-inning victory at Washington, as he gave up a pair of runs (one earned) on three hits over eight innings, striking out a season-high nine Nationals. In his last eight starts, spanning 56 innings of work, Haren has given up an outstanding nine earned runs during that time, but he has only three wins to show for it due to his bullpen or a lack of offense. The 7-year-old righthander has split a pair of starts against the Dodgers this season, posting an ERA of 5.06.

Ahead of Friday's series opener, the Diamondbacks had taken four of five against the Dodgers, but the two have not met since April and things have changed dramatically. This should be a pitcher's duel, but Haren has a bit of an edge of Billingsley because of experience and home-field advantage.

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