Preview: Behind Brett Anderson, Dodgers Look To Sweep Diamondbacks
With the six-game homestand coming to an end, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to complete a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are last in the National League West.
Brett Anderson makes his fifth start of 2015, looking to improve his record to 2-1. So far this season, Anderson carries a 5.49 ERA as he’s given up 12 runs in 19 innings. In his last outing, Anderson pitched 4.2 innings against the San Francisco Giants, allowing three runs on five hits.
Sunday marks the first time Anderson has pitched in a Major League game during the month of May since 2011. Taking the mound for the Diamondbakcs is Chase Anderson, making Sunday the second meeting this season between the two Andersons.
The right-hander has made two quality starts in four outings for the Diamondbacks, yet he has a record of 0-1. Although he is pitching well, it is up to his offense to make a statement.
Joc Pederson bats leadoff for the fourth consecutive game for the Dodgers. The rookie center fielder has not performed well as a leadoff hitter on paper, notching only three hits in 13 plate appearances. However, Pederson’s three hits as a leadoff are all home runs, including one grand slam and he has a walk in two of the last three games.
Additionally, Pederson has a home run in the last three games and in four of the last five games. Alex Guerrero makes another start in left field after it was Scott Van Slyke on Saturday.
Guerrero has been on fire to start the season, although it hasn’t yet translated to many starts. The utility man has five home runs in 29 at-bats, however, pitchers may be figuring out Guerrero’s tendencies as he does not have a hit in his last three games.
The Dodgers hit the road following Sunday’s game for a seven-game trip that will first take them to Milwaukee, then Colorado before a return to Los Angeles.
Dodgers Lineup
CF: Joc Pederson
SS: Jimmy Rollins
2B: Howie Kendrick
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
LF: Alex Guerrero
RF: Andre Ethier
3B: Juan Uribe
C: A.J. Ellis
P: Brett Anderson
Diamondbacks Lineup
LF: Ender Inciarte
CF: A.J. Pollock
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
RF: Mark Trumbo
3B: Yasmany Tomas
2B: Chris Owings
C: Tuffy Gosewisch
SS: Nick Ahmed
P: Chase Anderson
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Joc Pederson Pranked By His Teammates
