Dodgers at Giants
The Los Angeles Dodgers sent a message to their division rivals by acquiring starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco from Miami for three minor-league pitchers Saturday. They're hoping to make another statement in Sunday’s rubber game against the San Francisco Giants, who are aiming to build on Saturday’s much-needed victory. The win was the Giants' second in their last 12 games, while the surging Dodgers lost for just the third time in their last 14 games.
The Dodgers will turn to ace Clayton Kershaw, who has allowed four earned runs against the Giants in his past four starts covering 32 innings. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez brings a career-high 17-game hitting streak into the contest, but center fielder Matt Kemp will likely miss his second straight game with an irritated left shoulder. The Giants' offense continues to struggle, with shortstop Brandon Crawford mired in an 0-for-27 slump and right fielder Hunter Pence in a 2-for-33 skid.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), Comcast SportsNet-Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (7-5, 1.93 ERA) vs. Giants RH Chad Gaudin (2-1, 2.60)
Kershaw leads the majors in ERA and opponents’ batting average (.189), and he’s thrown seven or more innings in 14 of his 18 starts. The 25-year-old tossed his second complete game of the season Tuesday against the Rockies, and he's recorded at least seven strikeouts in his last four starts. He’s 10-4 with a 1.33 ERA in 20 career games (19 starts) against the Giants, including 5-2 with a 0.73 ERA in nine games at AT&T Park.
Gaudin is making his first start since landing on the disabled list June 21 with a right forearm injury. The 30-year-old right-hander will be making his fifth start since joining the rotation in place of Ryan Vogelsong, who remains out with a broken right hand. Gaudin is 0-2 with a 5.66 ERA in nine career appearances (two starts) against the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants are 4-for-50 with runners in scoring position over their last nine games.
2. The Dodgers are 0-29 when trailing after six innings.
3. Los Angeles OF Yasiel Puig and 1B Adrian Gonzalez and Giants OF Hunter Pence were among five players on the final ballot for a spot on the National League All-Star team.