The Los Angeles Dodgers look to win another series as they wrap up their road trip after dropping the opener of their three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers but pulling out a 6-2 win on Tuesday.
Both teams are vying for top spots in their respective division. The Dodgers enter the series finale at American Family Field one game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for first place in the National League West with a record of 22-15.
The Brewers on the other hand are a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates and in second place of the NL Central with a 20-16 record.
The pitching matchup for rubber match is a southpaw showdown between Clayton Kershaw and Wade Miley.
The Dodgers could use some length from Kershaw after using seven relievers in Tuesday’s win, including two in the ninth inning. Wander Suero was the only Dodgers relief pitcher who was not used in the game.
Getting some length out of their starter applies to the Brewers as well. The Dodgers are inconsistent against left-handers with only a .193 average against them this season.
The Brewers’ bullpen only has one lefty in Hoby Milner — so driving up Miley’s pitch count early will work to the Dodgers’ advantage.
However, driving up Kershaw’s pitch count will also be part of the Brewers’ strategy and the veteran will need to limit walks in an effort to combat it. Kershaw walked five batters in his last start, which was a loss to the San Diego Padres.
Both Kershaw and Miley have been impressive overall this season. Kershaw boasts a 2.53 ERA in 42.2 innings pitched and Miley has a slightly-better 2.31 ERA, albeit with only 35 innings pitched.
In his career, Kershaw has a 3.09 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 99 innings pitched against the Brewers. Miley has a 4.03 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 91 innings pitched in his career against the Dodgers.
As far as batting, the Dodgers’ best hitters against left-handers by batting average are James Outman (.333), Mookie Betts (.294) and Freddie Freeman (.200).
The Brewers’ best hitters against lefties are William Contreras (.321), Joey Weimer (.321) and Rowdy Tellez (.238).
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
DH: Will Smith
3B: Chris Taylor
2B: Miguel Vargas
CF: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas
LF: Trayce Thompson
C: Austin Barnes
Brewers lineup
2B: Owen Miller
C: William Contreras
SS: Willy Adames
LF: Christian Yelich
DH: Mike Brosseau
3B: Brian Anderson
1B: Luke Voit
RF: Tyrone Taylor
CF: Joey Wiemer
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