The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious on Saturday, clinching a series victory behind a dominant outing from Scott Kazmir. Los Angeles has won eight consecutive games at home, their longest streak since April 2015.
A win on Sunday would give the Dodgers their fifth series sweep of the season and first sweep of the Rockies since April 17-19, 2015. While quality outings from Kazmir, Bud Norris and Kenta Maeda have laid the foundation of success, the Dodgers’ offense has steadily provided support since news of Clayton Kershaw’s injury.
In five of their last six games, the offense has produced at least five runs. Similar success should bode well for Brandon McCarthy, who makes his 2016 debut.
McCarthy was the driving force behind taking the mound in a Major League game for the first time since April 25, 2015. In three rehab starts with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, McCarthy was 0-1 with a 4.61 ERA.
He also started for Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing just one run in 3.2 innings pitched. While his first start of the season lends to a spike in adrenaline and excitement, McCarthy said he’s hoping to keep that in check by viewing the outing simply as another step forward.
McCarthy is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in five career starts against the Rockies. In his lone time facing Colorado while with the Dodgers, the right-hander tossed six shutout innings with six strikeouts.
As for Jon Gray, he’s looking to snap his string of seven consecutive starts where he’s allowed at least one home run. The young righty enters 5-3 with a 4.38 ERA, 4.00 FIP and 1.18 WHIP. Gray allowed four runs on five hits, while striking out eight.
The Dodgers tagged Gray for five runs on seven hits, including two home runs, when they faced him at Coors Field earlier this season.
Corey Seager, who is riding a 15-game hitting streak, comes into the game 3-for-3 in his career against Gray, with a double, home run and two RBIs. Also, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is 3-for-6, with a home run and three RBIs against Gray.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
CF: Trayce Thompson
LF: Howie Kendrick
RF: Yasiel Puig
C: Yasmani Grandal
P: Brandon McCarthy
Rockies lineup:
CF: Charlie Blackmon
2B: D.J. LeMahieu
RF: Carlos Gonzalez
3B: Nolan Arenado
1B: Daniel Descalso
C: Nick Hundley
SS: Christhian Adames
LF: Brandon Barnes
P: Jon Gray
