After winning the NL West, the Dodgers had no trouble with the top team from the NL Central as they swept the Cubs in three games by outscoring Chicago, 20-6.

Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda all got wins for the Dodgers, who were also led by five hits (two home runs) from Manny Ramirez. He and Rafael Furcal combined for nine runs scored in the series.

Derrek Lee went 6-for-11 with three doubles in the series for Chicago, while Mark DeRosa drove in four.

Path to the NLDS: Los Angeles (84-78) won the NL West by two games; Chicago (97-64) won the NL Central by 7 1/2 games?

Managers: Joe Torre, LAD; Lou Piniella, CHC