Dodgers at Padres (Game 1)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have ended their season-worst slide and look to add two wins to their major league-best total when they visit the San Diego Padres for a doubleheader on Saturday. The Dodgers halted their five-game losing streak with a 1-0 triumph on Friday in the opener of the four-game series to improve their stellar record to 92-41.
Clayton Kershaw (back) allowed two hits in six innings in his first appearance since July 23 as Los Angeles' pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. Chris Taylor is filling in at shortstop for Corey Seager, who is limited to pinch-hitting duties due to an elbow injury, and notched two hits as he is 6-for-17 during his four-game hitting streak. Wil Myers struck out twice in three hitless at-bats for San Diego as his home-run drought reached 18 games. Austin Hedges also is struggling through a 3-for-22 funk over his last seven contests.
TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Brock Stewart (0-0, 3.38 ERA) vs. Padres LH Clayton Richard (6-13, 4.96)
Stewart is making his fourth start of the season and the ninth of his career. The 25-year-old didn't fare well in his last outing and was fortunate to walk away with a no-decision as Pittsburgh reached him for five runs and four hits in two-plus innings. Stewart worked two hitless frames of relief against the Padres on July 1 and has given up one hit in three career innings versus San Diego.
Richard lost to Miami in his last turn as he allowed five runs and eight hits over seven innings. The 33-year-old is just 1-5 over his last 12 starts, including a three-game stretch during which he yielded 37 hits. Richard is 7-6 with a 4.15 ERA in 23 career appearances (21 starts) against the Dodgers, is 1-2 with a 5.79 ERA in four outings this year and has struggled against former San Diego teammate Adrian Gonzalez (11-for-20).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers are 10-3 against the Padres this season, including a 5-1 record at Petco Park.
2. Prized OF prospect Alex Verdugo was recalled by Los Angeles, and the 21-year-old went 0-for-3 in his major-league debut.
3. San Diego fired hitting coach Alan Zinter, who was nearing completion of his second season on the job.