Dodgers Giants Game One Preview

Jun 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis (17) talks to Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) during the sixth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis (17) talks to Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) during the sixth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers are kicking off a three game series with the first place, San Francisco Giants this evening.

After coming off of a rough series with the Colorado Rockies earlier this week, the Dodgers will be looking to climb up the division ranks and try to beat their long time rival. The Dodgers currently sit four games back in the NL West behind the Giants. The best news is, Clayton Kershaw gets the ball tonight.

Kershaw is coming into tonight’s game with a record of 8-1 and an ERA of 1.46. In 2016, Kershaw has put in 92.2 innings of work and in those innings he has struck out 109 batters while only walking six. Kershaw has arguably the best 12 starts of his career this season. He has been dominant on the mound and continues to go deep into the games. Dodgers pitching in general has been great the past couple of series here, but they have not been going deep. Kershaw not only provides great outings, but he never wants to let go of the ball. Three of his 12 starts all season have been complete games. In comparison, Kershaw only had four complete games all last season. The Dodgers have a record of 11-1 when he has the ball for the start.

The Giants will be sending Johnny Cueto to the mound this evening. They too have found success when Cueto starts and also have a record of 11-1 on those days. Cueto currently has a record of 9-1 and an ERA of 2.16. In 87.2 innings of work this season, Cueto has struck out 73 batters and walked 19. Kershaw and Cueto are both clearly proving their importance to each team. Since 2011, they have the top two ERA’s in the majors for having at least a minimum of 100 starts. Kershaw’s sits at 2.06 and Cueto’s is at 2.47.

Reasonably normal lineup. With the Giants throwing three righties and the Dodgers coming off an off day, I’d probably expect the lineups to be normal thoughout the weekend. Enrique Hernandez is really the only notable change here, as he starts in left instead of Howie Kendrick/Scott Van Slyke. Yasmani Grandal is also behind the plate for a Kershaw start instead of A.J. Ellis.

Next: Dodgers' Day One Draft Picks

First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.

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