Dodgers blank Diamondbacks to close gap

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled to within one-half game of the National League West lead on Friday with a 7-0 victory over the division-leading Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dodgers starting pitcher Derek Lowe shut out the visitors in the first of a three-game series that could shift control of the division. The right-hander allowed two hits over eight innings, and stretched his scoreless streak to 19 innings.

"Everyone was saying, 'Can the Dodgers beat (Arizona's) phenomenal pitchers, how are they going to beat (Dan) Haren and (Brandon) Webb?" Lowe told reporters.

"Today was a personal challenge for me."

Andre Ethier powered the Dodgers' (71-70) offense with a 5-for-5 performance that included five RBI and earned him a standing ovation from the home crowd.

The right fielder homered in the first inning, his 20th of the season, and added a two-run single in the second.

Clean-up hitter Manny Ramirez was intentionally walked twice, as Ethier, batting in the No. 3 spot, inflicted most of the damage on starter Dan Haren (14-8). Haren allowed five runs over four innings.

"Guys are having a little more fun now," said Los Angeles manager Joe Torre. "That's what a little winning streak will do for you."

Arizona (71-69) managed just two hits in losing its eighth game in the last 11 contests.

The Diamondbacks will look to defend their lead with Brandon Webb taking the mound on Saturday. Webb is shooting for his 20th win of the year.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Peter Rutherford)