Dodgers Vs. Padres Preview: Three-Game Winning Streak On The Line
Its going to be a tough act to follow for Dan Haren, who takes the mound as the Los Angeles Dodgers start a three-game set in San Diego. Haren will try to continue with the Dodgers’ stellar pitching after teammate Clayton Kershaw threw a no-hitter just two nights ago.
Haren is in a good position to push the Dodgers win streak to a season-high four games and he’s coming of a win in his last start. The right-hander was solid and allowed just three runs in a 6-4 Dodger victory. Haren has won back-to-back starts for the first time since April and is 7-4 with 3.54 ERA on the season so far.
The Padres counter with Ian Kennedy (5-8, 3.72), who is coming off a loss against the New York Mets. Kennedy struggled in his start by giving up three runs and a season high four walks in a 3-1 loss. The right-hander has struggled against the Dodgers and is 0-3 with a 6.35 ERA in his last four starts against them.
Yasiel Puig could be a big factor in the game as he is 7-for-16 in his last four games and he homered off Kennedy in April. Puig has also been a threat on the road, batting .341 away from Dodger Stadium. Justin Turner returns to the lineup after missing a handful of games due to calf soreness.
The Dodgers have gained a lot of traction this week and won for the eighth time in the last 11 games and pulled to within four games of the NL West leading San Francisco Giants after Wednesday’s win.
Dodgers Lineup
2B: Gordon
SS: Ramirez
RF:Puig
1B: Gonzalez
LF: Kemp
CF: Ethier
3B: Turner
C: Ellis
P: Haren
Padres Lineup
RF: Denorfia
SS: Cabrera
LF: Smith
C: Grandal
1B: Medica
CF: Maybin
3B: Amarista
2B: Peterson
P: Kennedy
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