After splitting a two-game series with the Houston Astros over the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers now turn their attention to the San Diego Padres for the start of a crucial three-game set at Petco Park.
Entering Monday’s opener, the two teams are separated by just 2.5 games in the National League West standings. The Padres have won seven games in a row and are 8-2 in their last 10.
“It’s a team that’s chasing us and been playing great baseball for quite some time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“A potential playoff opponent, so I would say it’s probably the biggest series of the year. Regardless, win the series, lose the series, there’s still more games to be played. Our only focus right now are these three games in San Diego.”
Chris Taylor added: “We’ve had a couple really good series with them, high intensity, and we know they picked up a couple guys at the deadline and have been playing really good baseball. We’ve just got to keep doing what we’ve been doing, match their intensity and play our game.”
The Dodgers send Clayton Kershaw to the mound for his eighth start of the season. He brings with him into Monday’s outing a 5-1 record, 1.98 ERA, 3.31 FIP and 0.78 WHIP in 41 innings pitched.
Kershaw has yet to face the Padres this season, but for his career, owns a 21-6 record, 1.98 ERA and 0.98 WHP in 254.2 innings against them (39 starts).
San Diego counters with Dinelson Lamet, who looks to build off an outstanding outing against the Colorado Rockies. He tossed 7.2 scoreless innings, striking out 11 batters without issuing a walk.
Lamet last faced the Dodgers on Aug. 4 and was tabbed with a no-decision, allowing one run on two hits in 5.2 innings. For the season, he’s 2-1 with a 2.24 ERA, 2.94 FIP and 0.92 WHIP in 52.1 frames (nine starts).
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
DH: Corey Seager
LF: Joc Pederson
1B: Max Muncy
SS: Chris Taylor
CF: Cody Bellinger
3B: Edwin Rios
2B: Gavin Lux
C: Austin Barnes
Padres lineup
SS: Fernando Tatis Jr.
3B: Manny Machado
C: Austin Nola
RF: Wil Myers
1B: Jake Cronenworth
LF: Jurickson Profar
DH: Jorge Oña
2B: Jorge Mateo
CF: Trent Grisham
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