LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Dodgers, owners of the best record in the National League, open a three-game series Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

Los Angeles enters the 7:10 p.m. PT contest at 61-33, holding a commanding lead in the NL West. Arizona (45-47) comes in as a heavy underdog, having dropped nine of its last 11 games. The Dodgers have dominated the season series, winning five of seven meetings, including three of four games in a June series at Chase Field.

Right-hander Roki Sasaki (two recent starts) will take the mound for the Dodgers. The standout Japanese pitcher is coming off a win July 8 against the Colorado Rockies, allowing three earned runs on four hits over six innings with five strikeouts in a 4-3 victory. Sasaki has been inconsistent, however, surrendering six earned runs in only three innings in a win July 2 against San Diego. For his last five starts, he has a 6.28 ERA, but his raw stuff remains elite.

Arizona counters with right-hander Jose Cabrera (four recent starts), who has struggled mightily. The Diamondbacks are 0-4 in his last four outings. In his most recent appearance July 8 at San Diego, he took the loss after giving up four earned runs on four hits over 4 1/3 innings in a 10-4 defeat. Cabrera was lit for four earned runs in each of his two starts prior, though he did turn in a scoreless effort June 21 against Minnesota, firing five shutout innings.

The Dodgers’ lineup features offensive depth, while Arizona will need production from center fielder Tommy Troy, who homered and drove in two runs in that 10-4 loss Wednesday. The Diamondbacks are 4-8 over their last 12 games.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-4 victory for the Dodgers. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. The teams will play again Saturday and Sunday before the All-Star break. Following the series, the Dodgers embark on a seven-game road trip against the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, while Arizona returns home to face St. Louis.