The Los Angeles Dodgers propelled themselves into a first-place tie in the National League West with two straight come-from-behind wins over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The two teams square off for the series finale at Dodger Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the winner taking over sole possession of first place in the division.
Walker Buehler gets the start for the Dodgers, looking to continue his superb rookie season. In 18 games (17 starts), Buehler comes in with a 6-4 record to go along with a 3.02 ERA, 3.20 FIP and 1.04 WHIP while striking out 106 and walking 25 in 98.1 innings.
This marks Buehler first career start against the Diamondbacks, but he has been outstanding at home this season, posting a 2.43 ERA in 55.2 innings compared to 3.80 in 42.2 innings away from Dodger Stadium.
The Diamondbacks counter with veteran right-hander Clay Buchholz, who has revitalized his career this season in Arizona. In 14 starts, Buchholz comes in with a 7-2 record while yielding a 2.07 ERA, 3.40 FIP and 1.02 WHIP. He has struck out 71 and walked 18 in 87 innings of work.
Unlike Buehler, Buchholz has pitched better on the road than at home this season. He comes in with a minuscule 1.73 ERA in nine road starts with a 2.73 ERA in five starts at home.
Justin Turner looks to stay hot for the Dodgers after slashing .402/.491/.722 with six home runs and 20 RBI in the month of August. He is already off to a good start in September, going 2-for-3 with a walk in Saturday’s game.
Kiké Hernandez is also in the starting lineup for the Dodgers despite a right-handed pitch being on the mound. He is hitting .444 with a home run and two doubles in his last seven games.
Daniel Descalso makes his first start of the series for the Diamondbacks playing second base. He is in the midst of the best offensive season of his career, hitting .247/.366/.447 with 11 home runs and 50 RBI in 117 games.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Joc Pederson
3B: Justin Turner
SS: Manny Machado
CF: Cody Bellinger
2B: Brian Dozier
C: Yasmani Grandal
1B: Max Muncy
RF: Kiké Hernández
P: Walker Buehler
Diamondbacks lineup:
RF: Jon Jay
CF: A.J. Pollock
LF: David Peralta
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
3B: Eduardo Escobar
2B: Daniel Descalso
SS: Ketel Marte
C: Alex Avila
P: Clay Buchholz
