The Dodgers are suffering through another period of injuries that eventually might end the team’s playoff chances.
Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers
Washington took two of three games against the Dodgers in a three-game series in the nation’s capital back in April 23-25, limiting them to five runs over that span. The Nationals suffered a 8-4 defeat to the Diamondbacks last night, as they commited three fielding errors that led to four runs. “Obviously, we played sloppy,” said third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. “We need to clean that up.” With 109 games in the books, the team’s 48 wins to date easily surpasses the 36 victories they earned at this point last season. Washington has struggled on the road as of late, posting a 10-31 mark outside of the DC area since May 13. The Nationals are 20-38 overall on the road (-790) and the total is 25-29 O/U in those games. Don’t forget to bet this team during August, going 31-33 over the last three years for a surprisingly healthy profit (+1,140).
Nationals starting pitcher John Lannan is 2-5 with a 5.63 ERA in 15 starts this season, with the club dropping his last three outings. Over that span, he has allowed 14 runs (13 earned) and 28 hits over 13.1 innings. The left-hander hasn’t picked up a win since May 28 at San Diego. He is currently 2-3 with a 5.48 ERA in eight road starts this year, issuing 10 more walks than picking up strikeouts (22BB/12K). In two career outings versus the Dodgers, Lannan is an even 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA, with one of those starts coming at tonight’s venue. He picked up the loss in that contest, giving up three earned runs and six hits over seven innings.
Los Angeles must get its offense on track to make up any ground in the National League West race, scoring two or fewer runs 14 times in 21 games since the All-Star break. The team has posted a 7-14 record over that span. This is likely to be tougher than anticipated with shortstop Rafael Furcal set to miss the rest of the homestand (sore back) and catcher Russell Martin out for the year (hip). “We just hope that we can overcome it and play well,” manager Joe Torre said. The Dodgers are 35-23 at home (+330) and the total is 33-24 O/U in those contests. Don’t get too excited, with the Blue Crew bringing a disappointing 16-20 record against left-handers into the first game of this series (-960).
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is 10-6 with a 2.94 ERA in 22 starts this season, with the club alternating wins and losses over his last three outings. He dropped a 2-0 road decision at San Francisco last time out, giving up just two runs and six hits over seven innings. Before that start, he tossed eight shutout innings in beating the Mets 1-0 at Dodger Stadium, walking just a single batter and allowing seven hits. The left-hander is a solid 6-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 12 home starts, tallying 86 strikeouts in 78 innings of work. In five career games (four starts) against the Nationals, Kershaw stands at 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA. He faced Washington on the road in his fourth start of the season, earning a no decision and leading the team to a 4-3 win, giving up two runs and eight hits over six frames.
Bettors will find the Nationals being 33-27 after a loss this season (+1,330) and an even 8-8 when playing on Friday (+90). Los Angeles is an even ball club following a shut out, posting a 6-6 record in 2010 (-70) and 16-17 mark over the last three years (-450).
