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Ethier's energy powers LA closer to Arizona

Fri 5th, September 2008

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Andre Ethier went 5-for-5 and drove in a career-high five runs to back the spectacular pitching of Derek Lowe, as the Dodgers pounded Arizona, 7-0, pulling within a half-game of the Diamondbacks for the lead in the NL West.

Russell Martin doubled and scored three times for Los Angeles, which won its sixth straight to move a game over .500 (71-70).

Lowe (12-11) allowed two hits, walked two and struck out four over eight innings to win his second straight start. During those two outings, both against Arizona, covering 14 innings, Lowe hasn't given up a run.

"This is the first time I've been over .500," said Lowe. "Today was a personal challenge for myself. I showed that I can still go out there and pitch a good game when I needed it."

Dan Haren (14-8) was charged with six hits and five runs over four innings. In his last two games, both versus LA, Haren has given up 16 hits and 10 runs in 10 innings.

"He threw the ball better. He just centered the ball across the plate at a bad time," said Arizona manager Bob Melvin. "We have to play better than we did tonight."

Conor Jackson singled in the fourth inning and Chris Young legged out an infield hit in the fifth for the only hits for Arizona, losers in eight of its last 11 games.

Ethier homered to right field with one out in the first and LA added three more runs in the next inning. Angel Berroa doubled with two outs and Lowe walked before Martin doubled to left-center. Ethier then singled up the middle for two more runs.

"To hit in front of Manny (Ramirez) they have to throw you good pitches," said Ethier. "It's been unbelievable."

Ethier's ground-rule double scored Martin in the fourth and the same combination came through again in the sixth. Ethier doubled to right-center field, but he was thrown out.

Casey Blake scored on Blake DeWitt's groundout in the seventh.

Game Notes

The Dodgers left 10 men on base...The season series is tied after 16 games, but LA has won five of the last six meetings...Ramirez walked twice in an 0-for-2 performance for the Dodgers...Ethier has hit nine homers in his last 20 games...LA has won 13 of its last 16 home games.