Dodgers Vs. Pirates Preview: Haren On The Mound, Kemp Remains In Left
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The Los Angeles Dodgers were unable to complete the sweep of the Cincinnati Reds, but they’ve won three series in a row since dropping two of three games to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Next up for the Dodgers is another NL Central foe, Pittsburgh Pirates.
Dan Haren takes the mound for the Dodgers, looking to end a two-game losing streak since getting off to a 5-1 record this season. Haren suffered his first loss of the season in his start on May 7 when he spoke of having more back stiffness than normal.
Despite the recent struggles, Haren has managed to pitch at least six innings since April 19, which could be beneficial as the Dodgers look to continue giving the bullpen rest after a heavy workload in the early stages of the season. Haren is making his ninth career start and is 3-2 with a 4.98 ERA.
Starting opposite Haren is former UCLA Bruin Gerrit Cole. The right-hander is 4-3 this season with a 3.76 ERA. Cole faced the Dodgers once last season, throwing 5.2 innings and allowed three runs in a Pirates win. Thursday is Cole’s first start at Dodger Stadium.
Cole took a no-decision in his last start and before that got above .500 with a win against the New York Yankees. The Pirates are 7-16 away from PNC Park, are 3-7 in their last 10 games on the road, including two consecutive losses.
Matt Kemp makes a second consecutive start in left field, which coincides with Carl Crawford being placed on the disabled list with a sprained ankle. Tim Federowicz replaces Drew Butera as the starting catcher. Butera allowed a passed ball in Wednesday’s loss, his seventh of the season, which is an MLB-high.
Dodgers Lineup:
2B: Gordon
CF: Ethier
RF: Puig
SS: Ramirez
1B: Gonzalez
LF: Kemp
3B: Turner
C: Federowicz
P: Haren
Pirates Lineup:
RF: Harrison
2B: Walker
CF: McCutchen
1B: Davis
C: Martin
3B: Alvarez
LF: Marte
SS: Barmes
P: Cole
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