After picking up their first win in Oakland since July 2001, the Los Angeles Dodgers can now complete a sweep of the Athletics in their two-game Interleague set and win the season series.
If Clayton Kershaw factors into the decision, he can earn his first career win against the A’s and 150th overall. While receiving a win or loss in three starts, Kershaw has allowed just two runs and collected 22 strikeouts over 20.2 innings pitched while holding Oakland batters to a .171 average.
Kershaw last faced the A’s in August 2015, allowing one run in seven innings of what finished as a loss for the Dodgers.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner will look to add to what’s been an impressive stretch since returning from the 10-day disabled list in late June. Through eight such starts, he’s 4-1 with a 2.33 ERA, and 45 strikeouts against eight walks. Los Angeles has won six of the eight games.
Oakland counters with Mike Fiers, who memorably threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers in 2015, when he was a member of the Houston Astros. The A’s claimed Fiers off waivers from the Detroit Tigers and dealt two players to be named later or cash considerations for the right-hander.
Fiers went 7-6 with a 3.48 ERA, 4.65 FIP and 1.24 WHIP in 21 starts for the Tigers. He makes his A’s debut after last pitching (two innings) on Aug. 1.
Justin Turner gets a night off his feet as he serves as the designated hitter. Manny Machado slides over to third base, while Chris Taylor fills in at shortstop.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Joc Pederson
3B: Manny Machado
DH: Justin Turner
C: Yasmani Grandal
2B: Brian Dozier
CF: Cody Bellinger
RF: Yasiel Puig
1B: Max Muncy
SS: Chris Taylor
A’s lineup:
SS: Marcus Semien
3B: Matt Chapman
2B: Jed Lowrie
DH: Khris Davis
LF: Michael Canha
1B: Matt Olson
RF: Stephen Piscotty
CF: Ramon Laureano
C: Jonathan Lucroy
