Dodgers Vs. Mets Preview: Haren Starts Series Aiming For Win
The Los Angeles Dodgers narrowly escaped with a series win last night, beating the San Diego Padres 2-1 behind an eighth-inning home run by Justin Turner. The team now shifts their attention to the New York Mets as they gear up for a three-game set at home this weekend.
Taking the mound for the Dodgers will be Dan Haren. The right-hander rebounded from a tough stretch with two successful starts, but was pulled out of his last outing without getting past the third inning.
On the season, Haren is 10-10 with a 4.59 ERA in 25 starts. In his career, the 11-year veteran is 3-3 with a forgettable 5.25 ERA in 10 starts against the Mets. Haren made four starts against the Mets last season and went 2-2 with a 5.95 ERA.
The Mets counter with Jonathon Niese, who is making his 23rd start of the season. The six-year veteran recently came off of the disabled list and is trying to find his form prior to going down; Niese is 7-8 with a 3.50 ERA. Niese has faced the Dodgers five times in his career and is 2-0 with a 4.03 ERA.
The Dodgers have accumulated a .236 batting average this season against southpaws and will need some timely hits in order to have success tonight. Scott Van Slyke gets the start in left and Erisbel Arruebarrena returns at shortstop.
Dodgers Lineup:
2B: Gordon
RF: Puig
1B: Gonzalez
RF: Kemp
LF: Van Slyke
3B: Turner
C: Ellis
SS: Arruebarrena
P: Haren
Mets Lineup:
RF: Granderson
2B: Murphy
1B: Duda
C: d’Arnaud
LF: den Dekker
CF: Lagares
SS: Flores
P: Niese
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