Dodgers Vs. Cubs Preview: Beckett Aims To Get Series Win

In a contested battle Saturday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers came away with a 5-2 win via a Hanley Ramirez walk-off home run. The team now shifts their attention to Sunday, where the Dodgers will try to win the rubber match and come away with a series victory against the Chicago Cubs.

Josh Beckett, who has been dealing with a hip injury, gets the start and will look to earn his seventh victory of the season. Throughout 19 starts, the Texas native has compiled a 6-5 record and 2.74 ERA. The right-handed pitcher is looking to snap a four-game stretch where he’s failed to make it past the fifth inning.

In Beckett’s last two starts, the 13-year veteran has allowed a combined 15 hits, eight runs and four home runs but took home a no-decision in both starts. Beckett’s career record of 1-3 against the Cubs is not impressive, but the two-time World Series champion has not faced them since 2005.

The Cubs look to Edwin Jackson and are in position to earn their fifth victory in their last seven games. On the season, the former Dodger has put together a 5-11 record with a dingy 5.79 ERA. The German native is 0-4 in his last seven starts.

Jackson has faired relatively well in six career starts against his former club, as he is 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA. Control has been an issue for the 11-year veteran as his strikeout-to-walk ratio against the Dodgers is at 2.13 and he’s issued the fourth-most walks in the National League this season.

After starting at first base in Saturday’s game, Justin Turner slides over to second to provide Dee Gordon with a day off. Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig, who each pinch-hit on Saturday, return to the lineup at their respective positions.

Drew Butera makes a second consecutive start at catcher as A.J. Ellis continues to rest with a bruised knee. Andre Ethier, who has two career home runs against Jackson, starts in left field over Carl Crawford.

Dodgers Lineup:

2B: Turner

CF: Puig

1B: Gonzalez

SS: Ramirez

RF: Kemp

LF: Ethier

3B: Uribe

C: Butera

P: Beckett

Cubs Lineup:

LF: Coghlan

2B: Alcantara

1B: Rizzo

3B: Valbuena

CF: Sweeney

SS: Valaika

RF: Schierholtz

C: Baker

P: Jackson
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