DODGERS / THE WEEK AHEAD

TODAY-WEDNESDAY

VS. MONTREAL

* Schedule: Today at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

* Television: Fox Sports West 2, both games.

* Radio: XTRA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Pitching matchups: Kevin Brown (16-7, 3.03 ERA) vs. Javier Vazquez (7-7, 5.41) tonight; Darren Dreifort (13-13, 4.84) vs. Jeremy Powell (2-6, 4.06) Wednesday.

* Last series: The Dodgers won the last series despite the turmoil of a profanity-laced tirade by Raul Mondesi. The Dodgers trailed, 6-0, in the second game but came back to win, 9-7, with a boost from the first grand slam of Eric Karros’ career.

* About the Expos: The Expos, on a 15-day, 14-game trip, are trying to avoid last place in the NL East. Vladimir Guerrero continues to provide the bulk of the team’s offense. Closer Ugueth Urbina recently became the fourth Expo pitcher to reach the 35-save plateau.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

AT COLORADO

* Schedule: Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at noon.

* Television: KTLA, Friday and Sunday.

* Radio: XTRA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Last series: The Dodgers lost the first game, 5-4, when right-hander Pedro Astacio held them to eight hits through eight innings, then lost both games of a split doubleheader the next day, 4-1 and 12-11.

* About the Rockies: Colorado is struggling to avoid last place in the NL West, but has shown some signs of life recently. First baseman Todd Helton has been swinging a hot bat. During a recent 14-game stretch, Helton had 26 hits in 57 at-bats, including six home runs and 20 runs batted in.