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COL@LAD: Nicasio fans nine over seven innings

The Dodgers, after a strong start to the season, have gone into a slide recently. With a 13-3 loss to the Rockies on Friday, their losing streak reached five games.

Meanwhile, the Rockies are suddenly hot after playing below .500 baseball for the first two months of the season. With the victory Friday, they extended their winning streak to five games.

The pitching matchup will be a familiar one for the clubs on Saturday, as they are currently in their third series against one another this season. In both previous sets, Aaron Harang and Juan Nicasio matched up, and they will once again on Saturday at Coors Field.

The teams have split the two previous meetings, with each winning at home. The Dodgers hope Harang will be able to overcome that pattern and snap their losing streak. On April 30, the last time Harang pitched at Coors Field, he gave up five runs in six innings, including a three-run fourth.

"Early in the game, I was more aggressive," Harang said after the game. "Once I get to the third time around, I got a little tentative. ... I have to make an adjustment."

While Nicasio won the April 30 matchup, he actually pitched better when the two teams met on May 12. He struck out nine batters in seven innings and allowed just two runs. He credited his control with the strong outing.

"When I have command of my fastball, I'm happy, I'm good," Nicasio said.

Rockies: Five-game streak is longest of the season
• The Rockies' offense has exploded during their five-game run. They are averaging 10.6 runs per game, up from the 4.8 runs they averaged in the first 46 games this season.

Manager Jim Tracy said his hitters are being more patient at the plate, which has led to the big offensive outputs.

"A lot of it has to do with our plate discipline," he said. "We're not expanding strike zone, getting ourselves into good counts. We're a very good offensive team when we make people throw the ball over the plate."

Dodgers: Rivera close to return from disabled list
• Left fielder Juan Rivera was with the Dodgers in Colorado on Friday but is not expected to be activated this weekend. He has been on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain since May 9.

Trainer Sue Falsone said even if Rivera felt like he could play Saturday or Sunday, he would not be activated from the DL.

"You've got two day games here, and the altitude," she said. "There are a lot of variables here, so we'll either keep him here and work out a couple days, or talk to Donny and [see about another rehab game]."

• The Dodgers are 8-0 on Saturdays this season. They haven't lost on a Saturday since Sept. 24.

Worth noting
• Rockies first baseman Todd Helton drew a walk in the seventh inning, tying him with Al Kaline for 44th on the all-time list. Helton has walked 1,277 times in his 16-year career, and he needs six more to tie Edgar Martinez for 43rd.

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