The Los Angeles Dodgers have been swinging red-hot bats so far this spring, as their 118 runs scored in 18 games ranks third among all teams and their .865 on-base plus slugging percentage ranks fourth.
That continued Saturday afternoon as the Dodgers exploded for 17 hits and 13 runs in their win over the Colorado Rockies, with Matt Kemp and Yasmani Grandal combining to go 6-for-6 with a home run apiece.
They look to continue that Monday afternoon as Clayton Kershaw makes his fourth start of the spring when the Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers at Camelback Ranch.
Kershaw is up to his normal tricks so far as in his first three starts he has tossed ned a combisix shutout innings, striking out four. He started at one inning in his first outing and has added to that total each start, so if that trend continues then he should throw four innings on Monday.
Of note, Kershaw is due to bat for himself for the first time this year. Monday marks the first time the Dodgers have ditched the designated hitter. Tony Cingrani and Pat Vendetti are among the relievers scheduled to pitch.
The Brewers send right-hander Junior Guerra to the mound to oppose Kershaw. So far in four games (three starts) this spring, Guerra has yielded a 1.80 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 10 innings.
In two career regular season starts against the Dodgers, Guerra is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA and 0.75 WHIP while striking out 11 in 13.1 innings.
Dodgers lineup:
RF: Andrew Toles
3B: Justin Turner
LF: Matt Kemp
CF: Joc Pederson
1B: Kiké Hernandez
C: Austin Barnes
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Donovan Solano
P: Clayton Kershaw
Brewers lineup:
CF: Keon Broxton
3B: Hernan Perez
RF: Domingo Santana
C: Manny Piña
1B: Jesus Aguilar
ss: Orlando Arcia
LF: Brett Phillips
2B: Eric Sogard
P: Junior Guerra
