Dodgers Angels Game One Preview

After falling short to the St. Louis Cardinals last night, the Dodgers look to kick off a four game series with the Los Angeles Angels by getting a win this evening.

The Dodgers and the Angels are facing off for the first time since the Freeway Series before the start of the season. The first two games will be played at Dodger Stadium and the final two games of the series will be played at Angel Stadium.

For game one the Dodgers will be sending Kenta Maeda or King Kenta as the fans have nicknamed him, to the mound. Maeda is entering tonight’s game with a record of 3-2 and an ERA of 2.30. So far this season Maeda has struck out 38 batters and walked 12. Maeda’s last start was against the New York Mets where he only pitched five complete innings and allowed four earned runs. Madea has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the Dodgers rotation, but his last start was a bit shaky in comparison to previous starts. Hopefully Maeda can pitch to the best of his ability like Dodger fans have seen so far. After the bullpen gave up the runs last night, it is important that Maeda goes deeper into the game.

The Angels will be sending Matt Shoemaker to the mound. The 29 year-old right handed pitcher is coming into tonight’s game with a record of 1-5 and an ERA of 9.12. Shoemaker has given up 25 earned runs in just 24.2 innings pitched. He also has only struck out 17 batters and walked 11 so far this season. There is no doubt about it that Shoemaker has struggled.

The Angels are currently in third place in the AL West division and 5.5 games back from the first place Texas Rangers. The Dodgers after last nights loss, are now in second place in the NL West and one game behind the San Francisco Giants.

The Dodgers posted the lineup and it can be found below:

Yasiel Puig and Justin Turner, both of whom are slumping, get the day off. Howie Kendrick takes over at third for Turner, and Trayce Thompson gets a start against a righty instead of Puig.

Other than that, the lineup is pretty much normal. The two lefties at the top have been great all season, and likely will have to keep producing for the Dodgers to keep winning.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PST and will be shown on Sportsnet LA OR Fox Sports West (Angels’ broadcast).