Dodgers News: L.A. Needs Clayton Kershaw to Be Its Stopper

The Dodgers haven’t looked like a playoff-caliber team in San Francisco.

On Monday, the previously stout Brandon McCarthy finally slipped, allowing six runs in an 8-4 loss. Tuesday was more frustrating: Rich Hill delivered a solid start (5 IP, 1 ER) in his return from the disabled list, but the Dodgers couldn’t solve Ty Blach and lost 2-1.

Rich Hill through five innings: 6 hits, no walks, 1 run, 6 Ks. He has thrown 56 percent curveballs.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) May 17, 2017

And now, the Dodgers send Clayton Kershaw to the mound to stop the bleeding. Los Angeles is 3-6 against the Giants this season, and the two won’t meet again until July after Wednesday. San Francisco is solidly in fourth place at 17-24, and one could argue their results against the Dodgers have prevented them from a true free fall.

Even if Kershaw throws a gem, the L.A. offense needs to hit Johnny Cueto. The Dodgers scored three runs off the Giants ace in their May 1 matchup, but San Francisco got the best of Kershaw.

A sweep only helps a slowly rebounding Giants team’s confidence. The Dodgers see the slumping Marlins next, but afterwards face Chicago and St. Louis in the next nine games.