Rubber Game Match Up Features Clayton Kershaw vs. Kyle Lohse

Clayton Kershaw (2-2, 2.14) vs. Kyle Lohse (1-1, 2.52)

Dodgers Lineup: vs. Milwaukee

The Dodgers will try to bounce back after losing Saturday night to the Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Matt Magill made a solid Major League debut, and he was taken out on top and winning before the Dodgers bullpen came in to blow the game. Magill struck out 7 and only walked 2 on 103 pitches. His rising fastball was fooling Milwaukee, and I even saw a curve thrown during the evening. Magill, a prospect who has climbed the ladder of the minor league system steadily, may have a bright career ahead of him as a Dodger. But alas, the bullpen and Don Mattingly‘s inexplicable pitching changeups and matchups cost young Magill his first victory and the Dodgers a win. Shoddy defense also didn’t help, and the flux of infielders has increased the amount of errors. Justin Sellers should be starting at short every day until Hanley returns. This is why he’s on the roster right now. Skip Schumaker‘s costly error spurred Mattingly to bring in Guerrier who then dished up the first of two two-run homeruns.

Clayton Kershaw will be looking to pitch like himself on Sunday afternoon in game three. He hasn’t won a game since April 6th versus Pittsburgh. Part of the issue is of course the low run support, but Kershaw has also had some command issues and trouble with his breaking ball. Last time out in New York, Kershaw pitched only 5 innings while allowing 2 runs on 3 hits in the no-decision. In his career, Kersh is 2-3 with a 4.94 ERA against Milwaukee.

The Brewers will send Kyle Lohse to the mound. The 34-year old from Chico, California pitched well in his last outing against San Diego. He went 5 innings and allowed 1 run on 5 hits in the win. Last Monday, Lohse dislocated his pinkie finger while running to first base on a bunt attempt. His finger hit the elbow of Jedd Gyorko, the Padres rookie second baseman. Lohse may have to tape up his fingers, but he says it shouldn’t affect the way he holds his glove. The Padres signed Lohse to a 3-year $33 million deal this past offseason. Lohse is 2-3 with a 4.96 ERA against the Dodgers in his career.

The decision on whether Mark Ellis will go on the DL should be made soon. Ellis said he felt better on Saturday, but he sat out the game.

I will be enjoying the game tomorrow with my daughter, and we will be cheering on Kershaw in person.

The 1:10 p.m. game will air on Prime Ticket. Come back and commiserate on our recap post.