Dodgers Vs. D-Backs Preview: Beckett Starts With Opportunity To Sweep
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The Los Angeles Dodgers hope to take out the brooms and sweep their way to a three-game winning streak against division rival Arizona Diamondbacks.
After a strong outing and offensive outburst from Dan Haren Saturday, the Dodgers now hand the ball over to Josh Beckett.
Beckett boasts a 4-3 record with a 2.35 ERA. Despite having a 1-2 record since throwing a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 25, Beckett has faired well against the D-Backs this season, throwing five innings and only giving up one hit in a previous start.
Dee Gordon continues to be a threat at the top of the Dodgers lineup. Gordon went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run Saturday. Adrian Gonzalez continued to show some signs of improvement at the plate, as he went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Bronson Arroyo looks to stop the bleeding for the D-Backs’ pitching staff, as they have struggled throughout the course of the season. Arroyo enters the game with a 6-4 record and 4.22 ERA.
The Diamondbacks showed signs of life at the plate last night after Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run home run in the first inning, but have still struggled to produce with runners in scoring position.
The injury bug continues to nibble at the Dodgers. Utility player Chone Figgins was placed on the DL with a strained quad, while outfielder Carl Crawford and third baseman Juan Uribe remain inactive.
Andre Ethier is out of Sunday’s lineup and starting in his place is Scott Van Slyke. The carousel at third base continues as it’s Jamie Romak’s turn to fill in. Should the Dodgers win and sweep the series, it will be the first time since they swept the Minnesota Twins in early May.
Dodgers Lineup:
2B: Gordon
SS: Ramirez
RF: Puig
1B: Gonzalez
LF: Kemp
CF: Van Slyke
3B: Romak
C: Ellis
P: Beckett
Diamondbacks Lineup:
SS: Gregorius
RF: Parra
1B: Goldschmidt
C: Montero
2B: Hill
3B: Prado
CF: Peralta
LF: Ross
P: Arroyo
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