The Los Angeles Dodgers turned an expected marquee National League West showdown into a bit of a laugher, and are in position Sunday to complete a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers became the first NL team to 50 wins this season, have won nine in a row, and 15 of their past 16.
Strong pitching has been key through the first two games for the series, and Brandon McCarthy looks to continue the trend for the Dodgers. McCarthy earned a win in his previous outing against the New York Mets, throwing six scoreless innings.
He enters 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA, 3.17 FIP and 1.07 WHIP. The right-hander has been strong in his past six starts, pitching to a 1.57 ERA.
McCarthy has yet to face the Rockies this season. He’s 4-1 and has allowed 11 earned runs across 41 innings pitched in seven home starts this year.
The Rockies made a change and are sending Tyler Anderson to the hill for a fourth start against the Dodgers this season. The 27-year-old is 0-3 with a 5.74 ERA in the previous outings.
One of those starts came at Dodger Stadium, where Anderson allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits in five innings of work.
Anderson last pitched on Thursday, throwing one inning of relief. He’s 3-5 in 12 games (11 starts) this season, to go along with a 5.75 ERA, 5.01 FIP and 1.49 WHIP. One aspect to watch is Anderson has surrendered a home run in all but one of his starts.
The Dodgers enter play having homered in 16 consecutive games. Justin Turner is a career 8-for-15 against Anderson, with two doubles, one home run and four RBIs.
Prior to the series finale, the Dodgers recalled Mike Freeman from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed Mike Freeman on the 10-day disabled list. Freeman gives Los Angeles added positional flexibility.
While Corey Seager is not yet in the lineup, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said his Grade 1 hamstring strain is much improved. Seager to this point is expected to avoid the DL.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Chris Taylor
SS: Kiké Hernandez
3B: Justin Turner
RF: Cody Bellinger
1B: Logan Forsythe
2B: Austin Barnes
C: Yasmani Grandal
CF: Joc Pederson
P: Brandon McCarthy
