Andre Ethier is congratulated by Manny Ramirez after hitting his 20th homerun of the season. AP Photo by Mark J Terril

This is finally it... maybe. The Dodger's weekend showdown against the Arizona Diamondbacks could determine who gets into the post-season and who is left out.

With that, the Blue got this weekend series started off right by continuing their winning ways. They completely took out the D-Backs 7-0 extending their win streak to six games and closed within half a game of Arizona on the power of Derek Lowe's strong pitching and Andre Ethier's hot hitting. Lowe (12-11) went 8 innings gave up 2 hits and struck out 4. He had the sinker working and he kept Arizona bats off balance all game giving up only two singles. Ethier went 5-5 and once again came close to hitting for the cycle, finishing with two singles, two doubles, and his 20th homerun.

Today's game (12:55 pm on FOX) features pissed off Cy Young Award candidate Brandon Webb (19-6 3.19 ERA) who will try again to get his 20th win of the season after failing to do so back home in Arizona against the Dodgers. Facing him will be Chad Billingsley (13-10 3.13 ERA) who will be going for his 2nd consecutive win.

Dodger Notables

• Vin Scully to return for his 60th season: Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully announced yesterday that he would indeed return after his contract runs out at the end of this season. That's GREAT news for next season!

• Saito, Penny also slated for return: Closer Takashi Saito and starter Brad Penny could be ready to take the mound for the Dodgers as early as next weekend. Saito has been out since July with elbow problems and has recovered while avoiding surgery. Penny has been out twice with a shoulder injury but went through bullpen sessions and reported no problems.