Clayton Kershaw (7-1, 1.56 ERA) gets the ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers (29-27) as they go up against Bud Norris (1-6, 5.71 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (16-38) in the second of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won the last game 4-2, and Los Angeles leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 10:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 4 and will air on SNLA and FSSO.
In his last start, Kershaw pitched 7.2 innings, allowing two runs and striking out 10 in a 4-2 victory over the Mets. Trayce Thompson (.280, 20 Rs, 9 HRs, 21 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Braves were also victorious the last time Norris pitched. He tossed 1.0 inning, allowing zero runs in a 5-4 victory over the Giants. Mallex Smith (.246, 18 Rs, 3 HRs, 20 RBIs, 7 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Braves, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Dodgers has gone great. Over that span, Los Angeles is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Los Angeles pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The Dodgers are second in the league in WHIP at 1.082.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Atlanta’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Dodgers are 3-1 against the Braves this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD
Notes
The Dodgers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Braves have a 4-17 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 4-25. The Dodgers have a 4-22 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 22 this season. Los Angeles ranks 19th with 57 home runs.
Los Angeles and Atlanta both rank near the bottom of the league in hits. Los Angeles sits at 22nd with 8.02 hits per game and Atlanta ranks 28th with 7.60.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.607). Los Angeles ranks near the bottom at 26th with an OPS of .685.
When the Braves allow at least one home run, they are 5-28. When the Dodgers allow one or more homers, they have a 9-20 record.
