The National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers open a three-game series Friday against the visiting San Diego Padres as they attempt to keep the San Francisco Giants at bay heading into the stretch run. The Dodgers (74-59) hold a two-game lead over the Giants (72-60), who dropped a 5-4 decision to the Chicago Cubs to open a four-game set on Thursday. The Dodgers, who begin a six-game homestand, were off Thursday.