Dodgers Diamondbacks Game Three Preview

Dodgers bats finally came alive last night as they hit bombs into the stands to lead them to victory. This afternoon they hope to do the same and win the series with Clayton Kershaw on the mound.

Last night’s game was pretty exciting. The Dodgers scored seven runs and hit four home runs. Joc Pederson went deep twice, Justin Turner sent one into left field and Chase Utley hit a two run shot for a few insurance runs. All of this happened after being no hit for four innings. It was great to see the Dodgers bats finally wake up after they have struggled greatly lately.

This afternoon the Dodgers look to pick up their second win of the series as they send Kershaw to the mound. Sometimes, as Dodger fans I think we can overlook just what an amazing pitcher this guy is. He is the best in baseball and arguably the best baseball has seen in years. His numbers this year are nothing but historic. In his first 100 2/3 innings of work in 2016, he has struck out 122 batters and only walked six. I repeat, he has only walked SIX batters in over 100 innings! That stat is just insane and clearly proves how in control Kershaw is when he is on the mound.

ESPN’s Doug Padilla wrote a great article about Kershaw’s year and included an interview between him and A.J Ellis.  In that article he stated:

"Consider this: Kershaw has seven hits as a batter in 36 trips to the plate, yet he has only given up six free passes to the 360 batters he has faced. That’s a 20.3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The amazing thing about this BB-to-K ratio is that the record for a full season by a starting pitcher is 11.6-to-1 ratio by the New York Yankees‘ Phil Hughes in 2014.That’s right, Kershaw is close to doubling one of baseball’s best efficiency marks."

What Kershaw is doing this season is one for the record books. Just when you thought he could not get any better, he does. He is coming into this afternoon’s game with a record of 9-1 and an ERA of 1.52. In his 13 starts this season, Kershaw has only allowed 17 runs and continues to fool hitters out there. Today he looks to pick up his tenth victory and silence the DBacks bats.

The Dodgers will be facing Patrick Corbin on the mound. Corbin is entering this afternoon with a record of 3-5 and an ERA of 4.81. In his first 13 starts of the season, Corbin has put in 78.2 innings of work. He has struck out 58 batters and walked 23. He has given up 42 earned runs in his 13 starts. Corbin is not having an awful year by any means, but he is on his best game. The Dodgers should be able to capitalize off of a pitcher who has given up quite a few runs in his first handful of starts.

Enrique Hernandez is in the lead off spot and in left field this afternoon. Everyone has been talking about how Hernandez shaved his head in support for his father who is undergoing cancer treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. Trayce Thompson gets the start in center, probably because Joc Pederson has the day off against a left handed pitcher. Adrian Gonzalez is batting fifth in the lineup for the first time since July 19, 2014. Since that day, Gonzalez has batted third or fourth in the lineup every game. Howie Kendrick is back at second after having a few starts in left and Scott Van Slyke is getting the start in right field. Best friends Ellis and Kershaw are again together for another start.

First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 PM today and will be shown on Sports Net LA. Here’s to watching Kershaw continue to make history and hoping the Dodger bats stay awake for lots of run support this afternoon as the Dodgers look for a W to take the series from the Diamondbacks.