Preview: Dodgers Look To Win Rubber Match Against Pirates

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to rebound from Saturday night’s loss and win the rubber match against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday afternoon. With just 15 games remaining in the regular season, the Dodgers’ magic number is down to seven and they send Mike Bolsinger to the mound while the Pirates start their ace Gerrit Cole

Bolsinger makes his third start since returning to the Majors. He was solid in his first outing, throwing five innings while allowing three runs in a Dodgers win earlier this month. However, he struggled to make it out of the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks last weekend.

Overall this season, the 27 year old has been a valuable asset to the back of the rotation. With a 3.13 ERA, 3.24 FIP, and 1.28 WHIP, Bolsinger has received the nod more times than ot when the Dodgers have looked to a spot starter.

Cole enters a 16-game winner and has had a fantastic season. He last pitched against the Dodgers on Aug. 7, throwing six innings and allowing three runs on four hits; Cole walked away with a no-decision. On the year he ranks fourth in the National League with 16 wins and a 2.60 ERA while his 1.11 WHIP ranks eighth-best.

The Dodgers lineup features 21-year-old Corey Seager getting another start at shortstop, but batting third for the firs time this season. Since being called up Seager has hit safely in 12 of his 15 games while carrying a .389 batting average as well as a .492 on-base percentage.

Alex Guerrero gets the start at third base in place of Justin Turner. Turner was taken out of Saturday’s game due to left knee soreness. Only two Pirates have faced Bolsinger in the past, one of them being Aramis Ramirez.

The Pirates’ third baseman who drove in the game-winning run on Saturday night, and is a career 2-for-8 against Bolsinger with one home run.

Dodgers Lineup:

LF: Carl Crawford

2B: Chase Utley

SS: Corey Seager

RF: Andre Ethier

C: Yasmani Grandal

1B: Scott Van Slyke

CF: Joc Pederson

3B: Alex Guerrero

P: Mike Bolsinger

Pirates Lineup:

RF: Gregory Polanco

LF: Starling Marte

CF: Andrew McCutchen

3B: Aramis Ramirez

2B: Neil Walker

C: Francisco Cervelli

1B: Pedro Alvarez

SS: Jordy Mercer

P: Gerrit Cole