Dodgers Diamondbacks Game One Preview

Fresh off a series win against the Yankees, the Dodgers travel across the country for a four-game set in the desert.

The Dodgers pitching staff got a nice boost yesterday with Clayton Kershaw throwing five shutout innings. He probably could have had another inning or two if those pesky rain delay’s didn’t slow him down, but he looked a lot more like the Kershaw we’re all so used to seeing.

The offense was bad once again, but they took advantage of a couple Yankee mistakes in the ninth and took the series finale. Combine that with the Padres completing a sweep of the Giants, and it was a pretty solid day.

The Dodgers escaped the New York weather and are now in Arizona for a four-game series.

Dodgers Starter

Rich Hill will make his first start since his brush with history. As you probably remember, Hill tossed seven perfect innings in his last start in Miami. The start before, Hill allowed one hit and two walks against the Padres, and Hill still has yet to surrender a run as a Dodger.

While his Dodger career was delayed with a blister, Hill’s time in LA has been incredible so far. He’s been flat-out dominant since returning from the DL, and he can give the Dodgers a formidable 1-2 punch in the postseason.

It’s impossible to look at Hill’s career numbers in NL stadiums. He’s had a long career and has pitched in the NL before, but he’s a completely different pitcher than he used to be. His only career start in Arizona came back in 2006, and he allowed six runs in four innings as a Cub.

Diamondbacks Starter

Archie Bradley, who throws with his right hand, starts for Arizona tonight. Only one of the scheduled starters for this series is left handed, so the Dodgers won’t have to worry about their lefty struggles until Sunday.

Bradley will be making his 23rd start of the season. The rookie hasn’t had a great season, with a 5.10 ERA/4.51 FIP in 120 innings. He’s nearly struck out a batter per inning, but he’s walked 58 batters and allowed 16 homers.

Both of Bradley’s starts against the Dodgers came in LA, and they had mixed results. He allowed five runs in 5.2 innings back in June, but held the Dodgers to one run in six innings in July. Bradley struggled in his last outing, as he allowed five runs in three innings against the Giants.

Bradley relies on his fourseam and curveball. According to Brooks Baseball, he’s recently added a sinker (or at least gotten more sinking movement with his fastball).

Dodgers Lineup

Andre Ethier makes back to back starts in left for the first time this season. He hasn’t looked sharp just yet, and will probably have to show something if he’s going to be on the playoff roster.

Justin Turner is in the lineup. He was shaken up after his go-ahead double yesterday, but he’s healthy enough to be in there.

Otherwise, everything is normal lineup-wise. Andrew Toles is the only lefty not in the lineup, which could explain their struggles against lefties.

Alex Wood is in Arizona and could be back soon. With both him and Julio Urias transitioning to a bullpen role for the end of the season, the Dodgers surely aren’t lacking lefty relievers.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PST and will be shown on SNLA