Contenders keep eye on scoreboard

DENVER — Opposing managers Dave Roberts and Bud Black are close friends. Star infielders Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt talk all the time.

Just maybe not so much right now.

This NL West title chase is serious business and shaping up to go down to the wire. The Rockies hold a 11⁄2-game lead over the Dodgers and stretched their margin to 4 1 ⁄ over the 2 Diamondbacks by taking three of four this week. The Rockies are aiming for their first division title in franchise history.

“I expected us to be in this position,” Arenado said. “I thought we had the type of players who could do this.”

Typically, Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill doesn’t start looking at the standings until mid-September. He made an exception after his win over the Rockies on Sunday.

“We have a beautiful scoreboard out there,” Rockies manager Black cracked. “We have to have that heightened focus we’ve had all season long. I don’t think you ratchet it up any higher. You keep it at a nice level of intensity with the focus but yet loose in your body to perform. I think our guys are in a pretty good spot.”

This marks the latest in a season the Rockies have been alone in first place since 1995.

“It’s what you grew up dreaming about, having a chance to win the division and play important games like this,” Rockies shortstop Trevor Story said.

The Dodgers have 10 NL West titles since the Rockies entered the NL in 1993, while the Diamondbacks have five since ’98.

“It’s been a fun September so far, and a lot of good games from now on,” Dodgers utilityman Enrique Hernandez said. “It’s going down to the final series.”