Preview: Kershaw Vs. Bumgarner Again As Dodgers Look To Avoid Sweep
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter Thursday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants having yet to score a single run in the series. Although the Giants were off to a rocky start to the season, they now sit just 2.5 games behind the Dodgers, and the Boys in Blue not only look to avoid a sweep at AT&T Park, but also look to widen the gap between themselves and their NL West rivals.
The stakes for Thursday’s game become even higher as Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner face off for the third time already this season. The Giants came out victorious in both of matchups, but both games have been close.
Bumgarner is 4-2 on the season with a 3.20 ERA, whereas the Dodgers ace is sporting an underwhelming–on Kershaw’s standards–4.24 ERA. Not to mention, the left hander’s ERA is 2.17 higher when pitching on the road.
On the other hand, Clayton Kershaw is coming off his 100th career with against the Colorado Rockies last Friday. Also marking just his second win of the season, the achieved milestone may be a catalyst for the Dodgers ace to return to Cy-Young form. Although, when games are as low scoring as they are between these two aces, any outcome is possible.
A.J. Ellis, who plays for the first time in five days, will catch for Kershaw in Thursday’s matinee game. Kiké Hernandez, batting second, takes over at shortstop with Justin Turner at third. Alex Guerrero makes his second consecutive start in left field as Scott Van Slyke assumes the role in right field.
Dodgers lineup:
CF: Joc Pederson
SS: Kiké Hernandez
2B: Howie Kendrick
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
3B: Justin Turner
RF: Scott Van Slyke
LF: Alex Guerrero
C: A.J. Ellis
P: Clayton Kershaw
Giants lineup:
LF: Nori Aoki
2B: Matt Duffy
CF: Angel Pagan
C: Buster Posey
RF: Hunter Pence
SS: Joaquin Arias
1B: Brandon Belt
3B: Casey McGehee
P: Madison Bumgarner
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