Dodgers return to the Desert

Dodgers Lineup
Gordon6
Blake5
Ethier9
Kemp8
Rivera7
Miles5
Loney3
Barajas2
Billingsley1


Chad Billingsley-9-9 vs. Josh Collmenter-6-6


The Dodgers return to the 110 degree sweltering heat of Arizona for another series. the Dodgers know the Dbacks well, after all they play them 18 times per year, and it seems like there is always an Arizona series somehwere on the schedule every few weeks. we just had a series there a few weeks ago right after the allstar break that saw the Dodgers lose two out of three, then last week losing two out of three at Dodger stadium.
normally the Dbacks have sucked in recent years, but this year, under first full year manager Kirk Gibson, they are contenders, just a half game behind the giants for first place. thanks to a capable powerful lineup, and improved pitching.

the Dodgers are 50-60 in fourth place 11 games back.

the Dodgers will give the ball to Chad Billingsley in game 1. Bills has had an up and down year, coming in at 9-9 with a 4.15 ERA. after beating Washington, Bills had been fine last time against Arizona, until he had a bad inning and imploded. he will look to reverse his fortune, against a team he has always had success against. Bills is 9-7 with a 3.53 ERA lifetime vs. Arizona.
if there is anyone Bills should be careful with its Miguel Montero, he is batting .391 against Bills in 23 ABs

the Dbacks will counter with Josh Collmenter. Collmenter is 6-6 vs the league but struggled in his last start vs the Dodgers. getting roughed up for five runs in 3.2 innings, so lets hope the trend continues. the righty is 1-1 vs. the Dodgers.

the Dodgers still have not announced who will be pitching tomorrow. Kershaw is slated for sunday, but since Lilly pitched the other night, and Eovaldi is scheduled for tuesday. it would either have to be Kuroda on three days rest, or John Ely. ill take Kuroda on short rest please.

is it just me or does Navarro have major issues throwing to second base? someone needs to tell him second base is not in center field. can we get him some practice or something?
game time tonight is at 640PM on Prime Ticket. we will see you after the game. go blue!