Game Preview: Kershaw Takes the Mound for Dodgers in Atlanta

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

Time: 4:35 PM PT

Venue: SunTrust Park

Los Angeles Record: 57-46

Atlanta Record: 54-45

How are the Dodgers Doing?

Thursday’s series opener began as a pitchers duel between Rich Hill and Anibal Sanchez but gradually turned into a rout for the Dodgers. They managed to score eight runs in the final five innings of the game as Manny Machado hit his first home run with the Dodgers. Hill threw seven scoreless innings to earn his fourth win of the season in the 8-2 victory.

Why is this Game Important?

With news that the Chicago Cubs acquired Cole Hamels, the Dodgers need Clayton Kershaw to return to his Cy Young Award winning form. Kershaw has been limited for much of the year and has not been quite as intimidating on the mound in 2018. Beginning with Friday’s game in Atlanta, Kershaw can return to his dominance as he leads the Dodgers down the stretch.

Pitching Matchup

Clayton Kershaw (3-5, 2.64 ERA) vs Mike Foltynewicz (7-6, 2.85 ERA)

Clayton Kershaw is coming off a loss in Milwaukee where he allowed four runs (one earned run) over six innings. Kershaw is 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA against the Braves in his career.

Mike Foltynewicz pitched in his first All-Star game last Tuesday. After posting an ERA just over 2.00 in early July, he has struggled in his last three starts, allowing a total of 14 runs in 18.1 innings.

Matchup of the Day

Chris Taylor vs Mike Foltynewicz

No one on the Dodgers roster has more than four at-bats against Foltynewicz. In his small sample size, Chris Taylor has proven that he sees Foltynewicz well, with two hits, including a double against the Braves’ righty. Taylor recorded two hits on Thursday and is batting .300 since the break.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Dodgers: -155

Braves: +145

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 55% chance of winning

Braves: 45% chance of winning

Fun Fact

Atlanta is the only National League city where Clayton Kershaw does not have a regular season victory. He won one playoff game there in 2013.