Dodgers Vs. D-Backs Preview: Kershaw Duels Streaking Anderson
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The Los Angeles Dodgers finished a seven-game road trip with a 4-3 record after winning four of the first five games. They now shift their attention to a six-game homestand, which starts with the Arizona Diamondbacks. On the mound for the Dodgers will be their ace, Clayton Kershaw.
The Dodgers should be pleased with how they’ve played on the road this season, as they’re currently 22-14 away from Chavez Ravine. However, the Dodgers have been subpar this at home and have just a 13-19 record. A successful homestand can change that in a heartbeat.
Kershaw is 5-2 with a 3.17 ERA in eight starts this season. He dealt with injures at the beginning of the season, but has seemed to find a comfort zone as of late. Kershaw has won his last two starts, giving up a combined total of three earned runs in 13 innings of work.
The two-time Cy-Young Award winner is quite familiar with the NL West division rivals. He’s faced the Diamondbacks 15 times in his career and has a record of 8-7 with an ERA of 2.69.
Taking the mound for the Diamondbacks is Chase Anderson. The right-hander has had an impressive debut by going 5-0 with an ERA of 3.14 in 28.2 innings of work.
Anderson threw 5.1 innings and allowed five runs in a start earlier this season against the Dodgers. The rookie starter benefitted from the Diamondbacks putting seven runs on Kershaw in a big second inning.
Along with returning home, there is good news at the start of the six-game set at Dodgers Stadium. Hanley Ramirez, who recently sat out due to irritation in his shoulder, starts at shortstop. Chone Figgins takes over at third with Justin Turner dealing with some calf soreness.
Dodgers Lineup:
2B: Gordon
SS: Ramirez
RF: Puig
1B: Gonzalez
LF: Kemp
CF: Ethier
C: Ellis
3B: Figgins
P: Kershaw
Diamondbacks Lineup:
SS: Owings
RF: Parra
1B: Goldschmidt
2B: Hill
3B: Prado
LF: Ross
C: Gosewisch
CF: Peralta
P: Anderson
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