Colorado @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 17, 2014 ) LA Dodgers 2, Colorado 16

With their second consecutive National League West title already in their back pocket, the Los Angeles Dodgers will go about wrapping the regular season by opening a three-game series against the visiting Colorado Rockies on Friday. Los Angeles, which resides 2 1/2 games behind Washington in the race for the NL's best record, has won eight of its last 12 and needs one more victory to match last season's total. The Dodgers have faced little resistance versus the Rockies this season, winning 10 of the 16 meetings.

Colorado has been downright brutal away from the Rocky Mountains, winning only six of their last 42 road contests while compiling a less-than-stellar 21-57 mark away from home. Despite his team's struggles, Justin Morneau has made himself at home regardless of venue - going 20-for-52 (.385) with 12 runs scored in his last 14 contests. The British Columbia native is batting .317, just behind Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison (.319) for the NL's batting title.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), SNLA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jordan Lyles (7-3, 4.15 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Roberto Hernandez (8-11, 4.08)

Lyles secured his first win since Aug. 6 after allowing two runs on nine hits in six innings en route to a 15-3 triumph over Arizona last Friday. The 23-year-old has struggled with control throughout the season, but did not walk a batter versus the Diamondbacks. Lyles pitched well in his last meeting with the Dodgers, but settled for a no-decision despite permitting two runs in seven innings on April 25.

Hernandez is looking for his first victory since Aug. 26 after going 0-2 in his last four outings. The 34-year-old Dominican was victimized by the home-run ball in each contest, yielding seven in total - including four versus Washington on Sept. 1. Hernandez received a no-decision against Colorado on Sept. 15 after surrendering two runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles SS Hanley Ramirez is 25-for-59 (.424) in his last 18 games and 4-for-6 with a homer versus Lyles.

2. Colorado RF Michael Cuddyer is 17-for-40 (.425) with 11 RBIs and 10 runs scored in his last 10 contests.

3. Dodgers OF Matt Kemp is 16-for-50 (.320) with 17 RBIs and 12 runs scored in their last 12 games.

PREDICTION: Rockies 3, Dodgers 1