Dodgers: The Clash of the National League’s Titans

Game Three – Wednesday 12:10 PM (Clayton Kershaw vs. Stephen Strasburg)

Pitching Matchup:  Fresh off surpassing 2000 strikeouts for his career, Clayton Kershaw is rewarded with a duel against the electric Stephen Strasburg. Kershaw dazzled in his last start but was stuck with a tough-luck no-decision despite striking out 14 batters and allowing only one run in seven innings. Kershaw will look to get back in the win column after a string of no-decisions.

Stephen Strasburg gets the ball for the Nationals in the finale and finally gets to face off with Clayton Kershaw after missing the opportunity last season. Strasburg is currently 7th in the National League in strikeouts and comes off a solid start against the A’s in which he allowed two runs over seven innings.

Dodger hitter to watch: Adrian Gonzalez is 6 for 12 against Strasburg and will look to drive in the runs necessary to provide Clayton Kershaw with his eighth win.

National hitter to watch: Jayson Werth has two home runs off Kershaw in his career and is a .353 hitter against the Dodger ace. If Werth misses this series, then the Dodgers could catch a big break.

Key to the Game:  Kershaw has had success against most of the Nationals hitters including Bryce Harper who has one home run off Kershaw but only a .067 batting average.

Next: Utley for the HOF?

Given the pitching matchup, this figures to be another game where Kershaw has to be close to perfect to secure a win. Gonzalez and Grandal will need to provide some offense from the heart of the order.