Dodgers Game Preview: Kershaw Takes the Mound in His First Start of the Second Half

Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers

Time: 4:10 PM PT

Venue: Miller Park

Los Angeles Record: 54-43

Milwaukee Record: 55-44

After a stellar performance by Rich Hill on Friday, the Dodgers will look to win for the second day in a row. Clayton Kershaw will take the mound against righty Chase Anderson for game two of the three game set.

How Are The Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers are officially undefeated with Manny Machado on the roster. They beat the Brewers, 6-4 on Friday in Machado’s debut with the team. Machado went 2-3 and reached base four times.

On the mound, Hill struck out nine batters and allowed only one run in six innings of work. The bullpen looked a little shaky late in the game but the Dodgers pulled through with the win.

The Dodgers are now 11-4 in July and have secured sole possession of first place in their division for another day.

Why This Game is Important

In addition to maintaining their lead in the NL West, this game can help Kershaw start strong in the second half of the year. His 3-4 record is the first time since Kershaw’s rookie year that he has a losing record after the All-Star break. This is also the fewest win total for the ace this late in a season since his first year in the Major Leagues.

Pitching Matchup

Clayton Kershaw (3-4, 2.74 ERA) vs. Chase Anderson (6-7, 3.78 ERA)

Although Kershaw is in the midst of one of his worst seasons in recent memory, he is still pitching at a high level. He struck out eight batters in his last outing against the Angels.

Chase Anderson is also throwing the ball well for the Brewers. He has an ERA of 1.65 over his last five starts.

Matchup of the Day

Matt Kemp vs. Chase Anderson

Among the players on the Dodgers roster, no player has more plate appearances against Anderson than Matt Kemp. Kemp is hitting .350 with two home runs and eight RBI in 20 at-bats against Anderson. This is the matchup that can bring Kemp’s batting average back above .310 for the season.

Vegas Odds

Odds Shark

Dodgers: -166

Brewers: +156

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 55% chance of winning

Brewers: 45% chance of winning

Fun Fact

Manny Machado inscribes the initials, FN, into the dirt before each game to honor his late grandfather, Francisco Nunez.