DODGERS SHOW SIGNS OF LIFE.

Byline: Tony Jackson Staff Writer

Two-thirds of the way through what was expected to be a pivotal, late-season homestand, the Dodgers suddenly bear no resemblance to a team playing out the string.

In fact, they are doing an uncanny impersonation of a club with something to play for, a club in the midst of a real pennant race, a club with - dare we say it? - a chance.

They defeated division-leading San Diego again Sunday, pulling within six games of the Padres with a come-from-behind, 7-3 triumph in front of 35,150 at Dodger Stadium in the rubber match of a three-game weekend series. The Dodgers have won four of six, taking series from the Padres and San Francisco, to propel themselves into second place, alone, in the National League West. They have won 10 of 15 this season against the Padres.

Now, starting tonight, comes the real test.

That's right. A three-game series with the mighty Colorado Rockies.

Consider this: The Rockies have won their past five games against the Dodgers, including a three-game sweep at Coors Field last weekend, and have taken nine of 16 from the Dodgers this season. So, their last-place status aside, the Rockies are fully capable of spoiling every bit of good will the Dodgers have drummed up over the past week and of waking them from their seemingly impossible dream.

``What's difficult to do late in the season is playing against those teams that bring up a lot of young kids,'' Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent said. ``You don't have scouting reports on them. They're good players, but they're unpredictable. There is no pattern.''

Jose Cruz Jr.'s two-run homer off Chris Hammond in the fourth inning put the Dodgers ahead to stay Sunday, Brad Penny rebounded from a three-run first inning to silence the Padres over the next five, and rookie infielder Willy Aybar reached base three times, twice on hits.

What lies ahead is that deficit in the standings, a 2 1/2-week wait for their next shot at the Padres and, for now, those always-annoying Rockies.

``That's why we have to take it a day at a time,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. ``We came into this series feeling like winning one out of three wasn't going to do us any good. That would have done harm to us. Now we're six back with 20 to play. A lot can happen in 20 games.''

--Notes: Former Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros, now a commentator for Fox Sports' baseball coverage, said during an appearance Sunday on XTRA 570-AM he wouldn't be surprised if Tracy exercised the escape clause in his two-year contract after this season and pursued other opportunities in baseball. Told of Karros' comments after Sunday's victory over the Padres, Tracy rolled his eyes, covered his face with his hands and, for the most part, declined to comment. ``We still have games to play in 2005,'' Tracy said. ``That picture will clarify itself down the road. But it's very, very important for everybody to keep their attention on what we're doing right now. It's not the time to talk about 2006 and beyond. Shame on me if I do that.''

Tony Jackson, [phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

4 boxes

Box:

(1) DODGERS vs. COLORADO

- Tony Jackson

(2) GAME RECAP

(3) HOW THE RUNS SCORED

(4) ALMANAC