Dodgers Vs. Rockies Preview: Haren Looking To Give Dodgers Series Win

Behind strong pitching performances from Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in position to win another series Saturday.

On the mound for the Dodgers is Dan Haren, who is making his 18th start of the season. Haren has compiled a 3.57 ERA with a record of 8-4. The right-hander dazzled in his last start where he allowed just one hit and issued one walk in seven shutout innings. It was Haren’s best start this season and the it improved the Dodgers to 4-1 in his last five outings.

Haren has made 16 starts against the Colorado Rockies in his career and is 7-7. However, Haren does have a winning record at Coors Field, where he’s 5-3 with 4.53 ERA in nine career starts.

One explanation for Haren’s record being above .500 at Coors Field may be linked to his strikeout-to-walk ratio. In the nine starts, the right-hander has struck out 59 batters compared to just seven walks.

The Dodgers’ starting rotation has made that a theme lately as the starters have gone 38 consecutive starts without issuing more than two walks, which is a modern-era record.

The Rockies give the ball to a familiar foe as Jorge De La Rosa, who is 8-6 with a 4.86 ERA. De La Rosa is 1-2 against the Dodgers this season and has allowed three or more runs in five of his six starts dating back to the beginning of June. In 15 career starts against the Dodgers, De Le Rosa has a woeful 3-10 record and 6.26 ERA.

Dee Gordon gets the day off at second base and is replaced by Miguel Rojas. Matt Kemp returns to the lineup after receiving a night off Friday. Hanley Ramirez makes a third consecutive start despite being removed from Friday’s game after being hit by a pitch on his left hand.

Dodgers Lineup:

RF: Puig

SS: Ramirez

1B: Gonzalez

LF: Kemp

3B: Uribe

CF: Ethier

C: Ellis

2B: Rojas

P: Haren

Rockies Lineup:

SS: Rutledge

LF: Dickerson

3B: Arenado

1B: Morneau

C: Rosario

CF: Stubbs

RF: Barnes

2B: Culberson

P: De La Rosa
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