Gonzalez powers Dodgers over Diamondbacks

Sep 15, 2007, 23:21 GMT

Los Angeles, CA - Luis Gonzalez belted a three-run homer to cap a four-run first, and the Los Angeles Dodgers never looked back in a 6-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the middle portion of a three-game set at Chavez Ravine.

Derek Lowe (12-12) went seven-plus strong innings, allowing one run on four hits with a walk and five strikeouts.

'We needed this to keep the momentum going,' said Lowe. 'They are an aggressive team and I was able to get ahead in the count. I made quality pitches when i had to except the one to Tony Clark.'

Andre Ethier also homered and Rafael Furcal had a career-high four stolen bases for the Dodgers, who have won four in a row and pulled within 3 1/2 games of the Diamondbacks in the NL west. They are still 1 1/2 games back of the Padres in the wild-card race after San Diego beat San Francisco, 6-0, on Saturday.

Arizona starter Livan Hernandez (10-10) was tagged for five runs on six hits, while walking three and striking out three, and Tony Clark homered for the Diamondbacks, who have lost two in a row and three of four.

Furcal led off the first with a single to right and stole second before Juan Pierre walked. James Loney followed with an RBI single before Gonzalez hit his 14th homer of the year into the seats in right.

'He (Hernandez) threw a slow breaking ball and as a lefty you like it low and in and that is where it was,' said Gonzalez. 'We're doing what we have to do. We are definitely closing the gap.'

Ethier belted his 12th homer of the season, a solo shot to center in the sixth.

Clark put the Diamondbacks on the board in the top of the seventh with a lead off homer to center, his 15th of the season.

The Dodgers, though, got the run back in the home half when Nomar Garciaparra grounded into a fielder's choice with the bases loaded forcing home a run.

Arizona scored a run in the eighth on doubles by pinch- hitters Robby Hammock and Alberto Callaspo.

Game Notes

The Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 5-3, moving them within one game of San Diego as well...The only other player to steal four bases this season was Kenny Lofton, who did it on June 29th against Boston as a member of the Texas Rangers...Lowe has won four of his last five decisions while Hernandez has lost three of his last four decisions...Attendance was 48,366.

© 2007 The Sports Network

Game Notes

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