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Dodgers Pregame: Clayton Kershaw Still Looking for 100th Win

By Stacie Wheeler |

The Dodgers barely were able to get in 5 1/3 innings of play in the rain-soaked win over Colorado on Friday night. The rain was coming down in buckets at times, and the players were slipping and sliding all over the field chasing after the wet baseball. It wasn’t worth continuing the game and risking injury, and the outcome (2-1 lead) was in favor of the Dodgers anyways.

Clayton Kershaw (1-2, 3.72) vs. Jorge De La Rosa (0-2, 9.00)

Brett Anderson became the first Dodger starter to get a complete game win, and Adrian Gonzalez had two hits and some impressive defense on his birthday. There would be no big homeruns from either team during the night, but I’m glad everyone came out alive.

Sunday there is forecast for snow in Denver, and the final two games of the series will be up to Mother Nature to schedule.

Saturday

55°

Heavy Thunderstorms

100%

NNE 16 mph

If the Dodgers get to play on Saturday, they will be sending their ace Clayton Kershaw to the hill who is still looking for his elusive 100th career win. Kershaw’s slider hasn’t been as sharp this year, but his velocity has been fine. If Kersh can get his off speed pitches to work for the entirety of a game, that is when he is the most dominating. I don’t think Kershaw has any psychological problems, and I’ve scoffed at that assumption  that he needs a sports shrink or something.

Kershaw won’t let the past haunt him, and his tooth situation is behind him now. He is a fierce competitor, and I have confidence in his ability to adjust and conquer any obstacles which come in his way. My dream is to see Clayton Kershaw pitch in the World Series, and I’m not letting those Red Birds ruin my positive thoughts.

More from Dodgers Way

Clayton’s only win this season was back on April 17th versus Colorado at Dodger Stadium. Last time out, Kersh wasn’t involved in the decision in the 4-3 Dodgers loss to the Brewers. The left-hander pitched 7 1/3 innings, his longest outing to date, before he unraveled in the eighth inning. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits with 8 strikeouts and no walks on 91 pitches. Kersh has allowed an uncharacteristic 5 homeruns this season so far. He only allowed 9 homeruns all last season.

Lineup: 

Heisey CF

Rollins SS

Kendrick 2B

Turner 1B

Guerrero 3B

Ven Slyke LF

Hernandez RF

Ellis C

Kershaw P

Kershaw pitches well against the Rockies, and he is 14-5 with a 3.11 ERA in 27 career starts against them. At Coors Field, the southpaw is 7-3 with a 4.58 ERA with 12 homeruns allowed in 15 starts.

The key to this game, if it is played, is to keep Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez in the park. They have hit 5 homeruns against Kershaw combined.

May 5, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Brett Anderson (35) is congratulated following the end of the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado’s lefty Jorge De La Rosa is still looking for his first win on the season. The 34-year old lost last time out against the Padres. He pitched 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits but struck out 9 while walking 3. He is 5-10 with a 5.66 ERA against the Dodgers in 21 games (17 starts).

Adrian Gonzalez has hit 3 homeruns against D La Rosa with 11 RBI in 52 plate appearances.

Rain, rain go away

We want to see the Dodgers play

The Dodgers need a little help from the weather in order to go for their 20th win on the season. This will be Kershaw’s fourth attempt at win #100, but he has had a lot of success against Colorado over his career and already has a win against them this season.

Also this:

Unfortunately the storm cloud followed Yasiel Puig to Rancho Cucamonga where he reaggravated his hamstring strain in a rehab game. He will be reevaluated in Los Angeles.

Go Blue!

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