Dodgers at Diamondbacks
The Los Angeles Dodgers are putting their National League West rivals in their rearview mirror. Los Angeles will look to complete a three-game sweep of host Arizona and extend its winning streak to seven games when the clubs reconvene in the desert. Ivan De Jesus ripped a two-run double with two outs in the top of the ninth inning on Tuesday as Los Angeles overcame a five-run deficit for an 8-7 victory. The Dodgers have a seven-game lead over San Francisco in the NL West.
What's making the winning streak all the more impressive is that Los Angeles is nursing several injuries. Matt Kemp, who has missed eight games with a strained left hamstring, is working his way back into shape. Manager Don Mattingly, however, plans to be cautious with his star - insisting that Kemp must play in a rehab game or two before he returns to the Dodgers. Kemp will likely return next week.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, KCAL (Los Angeles), FSAZ (Arizona)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Ted Lilly (5-0, 1.79 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Joe Saunders (2-3, 3.55 ERA)
Lilly allowed four runs on as many hits in seven innings but settled for a no-decision in a 6-5 win over St. Louis on Friday. The 36-year-old has permitted nine runs in his last two starts - a stark climb from the six he yielded the previous five outings. Lilly owns a 5-7 career mark versus Arizona, but has limited the Diamondbacks to a .212 batting average.
Saunders has struggled since posting his last victory nearly one month ago. The 30-year-old has allowed 19 runs and 34 hits in his last four trips to the mound - resulting in two losses and an ERA which ballooned by more than 2 1/2 runs. Saunders has won just three of nine career decisions versus Arizona.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles' late rally spoiled a great performance by Lyle Overbay, who capped a 4-for-4 effort with a solo blast in the eighth inning on Tuesday. Overbay mustered just two hits in his previous six contests.
2. Andre Ethier has seven hits and four RBIs in his last four games. That run doesn't look to end anytime soon as Ethier has gone 10-for-23 in his career versus Saunders.
3. The Dodgers have scored six or more runs in each game during their winning streak.