Spring Training Preview: Clayton Kershaw Starts In Battle Of Aces

Staff Writer03/20/2015

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Although Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim got off to a shaky start with Brett Anderson on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers offense provided plenty of run support, including a three-run blast from Alex Guerrero in the second inning.

The game ended in a tie, marking the Dodgers sixth of the spring, and the club looks to get back in the win column as they face the Oakland Athletics Friday at Hohokam Stadium.

With the Dodgers also sending players to San Antonio to participate in Big League Weekend, manager Don Mattingly has a split squad at his disposal. Included in the players who remained in Arizona is Clayton Kershaw, who makes his fourth start of the spring.

In his last outing, Kershaw threw 3.1 innings and allowed one earned run on four hits. The left-hander has accumulated a 2.16 ERA over three games this Spring Training and looks to extend his pitch count.

Today’s game is a battle of aces as Kershaw faces off against Oakland’s ace Sonny Gray. Recently named the Opening Day starter for the Oakland Athletics, the 25-year-old right-hander makes his third start of the spring.

Gray has accumulated a 5.68 ERA over 6.1 innings pitched thus far. In his first full season in the Majors last year, he went 14-10 with a 3.08 ERA and he is expected to shine in the Oakland rotation this year.

With Adrian Gonzalez traveling to San Antonio, Scott Van Slyke gets the start at first base today, and Chris Heisey and Scott Schebler are starting in center and left field respectively. The Dodgers are not utilizing a designated hitter, which means Kershaw is the club’s first pitcher to get live at-bats.

David Aardsma, J.P. Howell and Adam Liberatore are available out of the bullpen.

Dodgers lineup:

SS: Jimmy Rollins

RF: Andre Ethier

2B: Howie Kendrick

1B: Scott Van Slyke

3B: Juan Uribe

CF: Chris Heisey

LF: Scott Schebler

C: A.J. Ellis

P: Clayton Kershaw

Athletics lineup: