The Skinny: In the first game of undoubtedly the most important series of the season, the Arizona Diamondbacks did not really even show up in Los Angeles. Former Sun Devil Andre Ethier continued his recent domination of Diamondbacks’ pitching by going 5 for 5 with a home run, 2 doubles and 5 runs batted in as the Dodgers smoked the D-Backs 7-0 for their 6th straight win. Derek Lowe got his second victory over the Diamondbacks in a week, by pitching 8 strong innings and allowing just 2 hits. On the flip side, Dan Haren struggled again. The right-hander lasted just 4 innings, giving up 5 runs and 6 hits in taking his 2nd consecutive loss.

More numbers on Haren: Since August 1, Haren is just 3-3 with a 6.20 ERA.

Sarcastic Diamondbacks’ Bright Spots: Mark Reynolds didn’t strike out. Manny Ramirez didn’t get a hit for the Dodgers. Nobody died.

More numbers on Ethier: With his 5 for 5 performance on Friday night, Ethier continued his blistering start to the most important month of baseball for the Dodgers. He is now hitting .733 (11 for 15) in September, with 2 homers and 6 rbis.

Repercussions: The Dodgers are now right on Arizona’s back, just 1/2 game out of first place, with two more head-to-head matchups to go. Colorado also won on Friday, beating Houston to get to within 5 games of the Diamondbacks. It’s the first time the Rockies have been within 5 games since April 21st.

MLB.com : Recap | Boxscore

Here’s what others are saying about the Dodgers’ shutout win over the Diamondbacks…

Lowe, Ethier, Dodgers blast D-Backs [AZ Central]

Haren’s woes continue as Dodgers top D-Backs [East Valley Tribune/AP]

Dodgers cut it closer [L.A. Times]

Dodgers 7, Diamondbacks 0 [L.A. Daily News]

The series continues Saturday afternoon, as Diamondbacks’ right hander Brandon Webb makes his third try to win number 20. He’ll be opposed by L.A.’s Chad Billingsley.

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