Vin Scully Returns for Jackie Robinson Day

Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 0.90) vs. Edinson Volquez (0-1, 3.00)

Lineup:

Gordon SS

Mark Ellis 2B

Kemp CF

Ethier RF

Rivera LF

Loney 1B

Uribe 3B

A.J. Ellis C

Kershaw P

The Dodgers will celebrate Jackie Robinson today on the 65th anniversary of when he broke the color barrier in baseball as they try to sweep the Padres and the entire homestand before heading off to Milwaukee. The Dodgers have won all three of their first three series this season, and if they win today will have accomplished back-to-back sweeps. Their 8-1 record is currently the best in the MLB, and they have not lost a game since last Sunday. It has been a Magical start to the season. The double punch of Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier is back and mightier than ever. The next logical thing to do is win today’s game in honor of the great #42.

Clayton Kershaw will go for his first win of the season. His first outing of the season on Opening Day was cut short to three innings (scoreless nonetheless) because of the flu. In his second start on Tuesday at the Dodgers’ home opener, he pitched 7 innings and only allowed 1 earned run. He wasn’t involved in the decision, but the Dodgers picked up the win over the down and out Pirates after an eighth inning Andre Ethier homerun. Kershaw has only whiffed 10 batters so far, but he really hasn’t felt 100% yet out there on the mound.

“My stuff got worse as the game went on, which comes from only throwing three innings last time and not getting my pitch count up,” Kershaw said after his last start. “I hope next Sunday I’ll be 100 percent.”

Edinson Volquez will take the ball for the Padres in a rematch against Clayton Kershaw whom he was pitted against on Opening Day. He pitched 5 innings April 5th, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs. Last time out against Arizona, Volquez pitched well going 7 innings, and allowing 5 hits and 2 runs while whiffing 8 batters.

Let’s take the afternoon to remember Jackie Robinson, the great baseball player and person. He not only inspired on the field but also off the field, and his heroism continues to influence new generations. If you’d like to read more about Jackie Robinson, check out Kenny’s tribute Jackie Robinson An American Icon and Scott’s piece about the Jackie Robinson Hall of Fame Induction 50th Anniversary.

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