Dodgers Vs. Giants Preview: Kershaw Looks Add Win To Perfect Record

After yesterday’s 6-2 win against the Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to be an entirely different team than they had been the rest of the week. The Dodgers were struggling to produce runs and maintain a consistent bullpen. Yesterday, the organization was enticed as the Dodgers rallied from a 2-0 deficit and showed some fire behind their offense. The team is coming off just the win they needed in order to split this four-game series with the Giants this afternoon.

With Clayton Kershaw on the mound for the Dodgers today, the possibilities are endless. In his first start back from over a month on the disabled list, the Dodgers ace was not phased by a single distraction as he went seven shutout innings allowing nine hits while fanning nine as well. The 26-year-old has been just what the Dodgers needed to get back on their feet especially as the rotation awaits the return of Hyun-Jin Ryu. In five starts against the Giants last season, the two-time NL Cy Young winner went 3-1 with a 1.38 ERA.

Although Kershaw is getting off to a hot start, he will be challenged as he faces off against a veteran starter. Tim Hudson makes the start for the Giants tonight as he hopes to help his team maintain their divisional lead. Although he is no stranger to Los Angeles, today will mark the 38-year-old right-hander’s first game within the Giants-Dodgers rivalry. In his career, he has faced the Dodgers in 14 separate occasions and has accumulated a 6-4 record with a 3.49 ERA.

Hudson has consistently proven throughout the season so far that he can pitch for the long haul. In his past two starts, he logged 8.2 innings allowing no more than two runs in each outing. Over seven starts on the season, the Giants starter has not had an appearance lasting less than seven innings while accumulating a 1.99 ERA.

Andre Ethier gets the start in left field with Drew Butera taking the job behind the plate. Ethier hasn’t started since Wednesday and will be in an unfavorable matchup against Hudson. Juan Uribe sits for the third straight game after injuring his hamstring in Thursday night’s game.

Dodgers Lineup

2B Gordon
RF Puig
SS Ramirez
1B Gonzalez
CF Kemp
LF Ethier
3B Turner
C Butera
P Kershaw

Giants Lineup

CF Pagan
RF Pence
C Posey
3B Sandoval
2B Hicks
1B Arias
LF Perez
SS Adrianza
P Hudson

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