Dodgers Vs. Cubs Preview: Kershaw Seeking 20th Win
Following Thursday night’s 8-4 win over the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers are back in action Friday for a day game at Wrigley Field. The Dodgers are looking to add to or maintain their 2.5-game lead over the San Francisco Giants by sending Clayton Kershaw to the mound.
Kershaw’s season has been one of dominance as he currently holds the Major’s best record at 19-3 and lowest ERA at 1.70. With a win Friday, Kershaw would become the first pitcher to get to 20 on the season and it would mark his second year reaching that plateau after winning 21 in 2001.
In his last five starts, Kershaw has gone at least 8.0 innings in each game and has earned a win in each of the outings. Friday will be Kershaw’s first start against the Cubs this season. In his career, he has a 3-2 record and 1.60 ERA against the Cubs.
Opposing Kershaw will be Edwin Jackson, who is making his first start since Aug. 20. Following that game, Jackson was placed on the disabled list due to a strained right lat, putting his season return in question.
Jackson is no stranger to the Dodgers, having been drafted by the organization and playing for them between 2003-2005. Since leaving the Dodgers, he has faced his former team seven times and pitched his way to a 4-2 record and 3.40 ERA.
Before succumbing to injury, Jackson’s season had been on a downturn. His record fell to 6-14 and ERA climbed to 6.09 after losing three consecutive starts. His last win came when he faced the Dodgers Aug. 3.
Manger Don Mattingly trots out his normal lineup with Carl Crawford returning to left field. Elsewhere in the lineup, Hanley Ramirez looks to continue putting his injury woes behind him after registering two hits in Thursday’s game. Ramirez sat out the two games prior while dealing with a strained right elbow.
Dodgers Lineup
2B: Gordon
CF: Puig
1B: Gonzalez
RF: Kemp
SS: Ramirez
LF: Crawford
3B: Uribe
C: Ellis
P: Kershaw
Cubs Lineup
CF: Alcantara
2B: Baez
1B: Rizzo
RF: Soler
C: Castillo
3B: Olt
SS: Valaika
LF: Lake
P: Jackson