Preview: Clayton Kershaw In Position To Make History Against Nationals

The Los Angeles Dodgers were part of history Tuesday night as all 15 MLB games played were won by the home team. Now the Dodgers are in position to take not only the three-game set, but also the season series from the Washington Nationals.

Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for the after losing his scoreless innings streak on the first pitch of his previous start. The left-hander has performed very well at home this season, going 6-2 with an opponents’ batting average of .188, 1.72 FIP and 1.66 ERA.

Kershaw last faced the Nationals July 18 when he scattered three hits over eight shutout innings and racked up 14 strikeouts. He’s a lifetime 8-2 with a 2.11 ERA against Washington over 12 games (11 starts). Kershaw last suffered a loss to the Nationals in 2010.

The reigning National League MVP is 4-0 with a 0.96 ERA over his last six starts. He’s only one win shy of reaching double-digit wins for sixth consecutive season. Kershaw also is three strikeouts shy of becoming the third National League pitcher since 1900 with at least 200 strikeouts in six straight seasons.

Jordan Zimmermann, who has not earned a win since July 11, opposes Kershaw. The right-hander has allowed three or more runs in four of his last six starts. Additionally, he has not been particularly effective on the road this season, posting a 4.95 ERA in 56.1 innings.

Zimmermman started the July 17 game against the Dodgers, allowing two runs on three hits in four innings. The outing was cut short due to electrical issues that eventually forced the game to be resumed and concluded the following morning.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is back in the lineup after being held out the previous game with a sore knee. As for the Dodgers, Yasiel Puig starts in right field and bats fifth one night after tying a career high with five RBIs.

Jose Peraza makes his second career start in the Majors with Kiké Hernandez filling in at shortstop to give Jimmy Rollins a game off. Peraza’s lone Major-League hit is a triple.

Dodgers Lineup

LF: Carl Crawford

SS: Kiké Hernandez

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

C: Yasmani Grandal

RF: Yasiel Puig

3B: Alberto Callaspo

CF: Joc Pederson

2B: Jose Peraza

P: Clayton Kershaw

Nationals Lineup

3B: Yunel Escobar

2B: Anthony Rendon

RF: Bryce Harper

1B: Ryan Zimmerman

LF: Jayson Werth

SS: Ian Desmond

C: Wilson Ramos

CF: Michael Taylor

P: Ryan Zimmermann

Yasiel Puig Discusses New Batting Stance, Swinging Early In Counts