Dodgers Pirates Game One Preview

The Dodgers are kicking off a new three game series with the Pirates at home this evening.

The Dodgers fell to the Phillies in the series finale on Wednesday and had an off day yesterday. With Wednesday’s loss and the Giants also having an off day yesterday, they are coming into this evenings start one game behind the Giants and in second place of the NL West.

Ross Stripling will be on the mound this evening. He is coming into tonight’s game with a record of 3-3 and an ERA of 3.79. The 26 year-old right hander has stepped up big for the club this season. Stripling has made the transition from Triple-A to the majors pretty well considering he was forced to due to injuries. His last outing was on August 8th and against the Boston Red Sox. He got the win and went five innings while allowing four hits and no earned runs. It was one of the best outings Stripling has had all season. (His best outing by far was his first appearance when he did not allow a hit). Stripling has appeared in 13 games for the Dodgers this year and nine of those were starts. He also has been used out of the pen for long relief.

The Pirates will be sending Ivan Nova to the mound. Nova currently has a record of 8-6 and an ERA of 4.83. So far in 2016, he has struck out 80 batters and walked 25. Nova, the 29 year-old right hander, has put in 104.1 innings of work this year and allowed 113 hits in those innings. He has only had one start with the Pirates this year after being traded from the New York Yankees. On August 6th, he went seven innings against the Cincinnati Reds and allowed three earned runs. While Nova may be new to the Pirates, he was a pretty good starter for the Yankees. Tonight he will make his second start in a Pirates uniform.

The Pirates as a team currently sit in third place of the NL Central with a record of 57-55. They have a road record of 24-30. The Dodgers however, have a season record of 64-50, but a home record of 37-22. The Dodgers have clearly excelled at home, while the Pirates have struggles on the road. With this three game series it would seem that the Dodgers have a huge advantage with the home crowd on their side.

Tonight’s lineup is a pretty typical one put together by Dave Roberts. Chase Utley is in his usual lead off spot. Corey Seager is back in the second spot after batting third against the Pirates. Yasmani Grandal is behind the plate as he continues to swing a hot bat and prove to be clutch for the club. Joc Pederson is batting seventh and in center. Howie Kendrick is back in left field and Stripling is on the mound.

In injury news, Brandon McCarthy believes he’ll be fine to start on Saturday after throwing a bullpen yesterday. Sunday’s starter is also a bit of a mystery and it might be birthday boy Julio Urias, but Brett Anderson also threw a bullpen yesterday and thinks he’s ready to go whenever needed. Rich Hill could throw a bullpen tomorrow, which would line him up to make his debut in Philly

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM and will be shown on Sports Net LA.