Dodgers Diamondbacks Game 3 Preview

The Dodgers look to gain their first series win of the second half after a tough loss at the hands of the Diamondbacks last night.

Last night’s extra inning loss was particularly hard to fathom, as the Dodgers entered the ninth with a 1-0 lead. After a rare blown save from the usually consistent Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers would succumb to the Diamondbacks in the bottom of the twelfth by a Brandon Drury walk-off single.

Well, today the Dodgers get a do-over, and will be sending Kenta Maeda (8-6, 2.95) to the mound to attempt to get their 53rd victory of the season. In Maeda’s last appearance, he was nothing short of perfect. Maeda went seven innings strong, striking out 13 and walking none in a 3-1 victory against the San Diego Padres. Maeda has been efficient so far this season against the Diamondbacks, striking out 10 in 11.1 innings with an ERA of 1.59.

The Diamondbacks will counter with Robbie Ray (4-8, 4.81 ERA). Ray is in his second season with the Diamondbacks, showing tremendous upside at times despite struggles with command. Ray’s 10.6 K/9 is outstanding but he combats that with giving up 10+ hits per 9, along with walking almost 4 per 9. The Dodgers should not take Ray lightly, as he put in six strong innings against them back in April. Ray struck out six while only giving up four hits.

The Dodgers lineup this afternoon is righty-heavy, with Corey Seager being the only lefty in the lineup. One interesting part of the lineup today is Yasiel Puig being in CF. This is Puig’s first appearance in CF since the 2014 season. Also in the lineup for the first time, this season is Zach Walters, who was just called up from Triple-A yesterday. Walter has been hot as of late in Oklahoma City, hitting .298 to go along with 10 home runs. Walters will be hitting 8th in his first Dodger start.

The Dodgers begin today just 5.5 games back of the Giants, as they look to continue to gain ground in the NL West. The Dodgers do remain 2.5 games up on Miami for the first Wild Card spot, which is not a bad consolation considering the many injury problems this team has faced. First pitch is slated for 1:10 and can be seen on SportsNet LA.