Game Preview: Dodgers Face Rockies With Chance of Retaking First Place

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies

Time: 5:10 PM PT

Venue: Coors Field

Colorado Record: 77-63

Los Angeles Record: 77-64

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers defeated the Rockies on Friday, 4-2. Yasiel Puig hit a 463-foot blast and Clayton Kershaw contributed six quality innings. Kenta Maeda pitched the ninth inning, to earn his second save of the year.

Why is this Game Important?

With the victory, the Dodgers reduce their deficit to 0.5 game in the NL West. They can regain the division lead with a win in Colorado on Saturday. The Diamondbacks are not far behind, trailing first place by 1.5 games.

Pitching Matchup

Walker Buehler (6-4, 2.92 ERA) vs Kyle Freeland (13-7, 2.96 ERA)

One month ago, Walker Buehler and Kyle Freeland matched up at Coors Field with the Dodgers in a position to take full control of the division lead. They find themselves in the same scenario on Saturday.

In the last matchup, Buehler threw seven shutout innings, allowing four hits.

Kyle Freeland surrendered two runs over seven innings and struck out 10 batters when he last faced the Dodgers.

In the game between Buehler and Freeland on August 11, both starters wound up with the no-decision. The Dodger bullpen allowed three runs in the final inning, playing that game without Kenley Jansen.

Matchup of the Day

Yasiel Puig vs Kyle Freeland

Yasiel Puig hit the longest home run by any Dodger this season with his 463-foot shot on Friday. He has the chance to go deep again on Saturday. Puig has two career dingers against Freeland, including a home run in their last matchup.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Predicted Score

Dodgers: 2.9

Mets: 1.3

Moneyline Consensus

Dodgers: -134

Mets: +124

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 53% chance of winning

Mets: 47% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The Dodgers have spent just 29 days in first place all year. This was their lowest total since 2011, when they spent four days in first place.