Dodgers-Giants Preview: The Rivalry Continued At Dodger Stadium

Here are the keys to the series:

1. Offense:

While the Dodgers offense busted out on Monday with eight runs, they squandered several chances in the final two games to score runs.  Dodger hitters definitely have to be more disciplined with their approach at the plate as there were too many one-pitch at-bats against Corbin last night.

While they rank 6th in batting average and on-base percentage, they only rank 17th in runs scored. Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez have been great as of late, but the Dodgers need Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford to contribute with some timely hits.

2. Quality Starts:

With Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw and Ricky Nolasco starting the first three games, the Dodgers will rely on them to go deep into games. The Giants have trouble scoring, so Kershaw, Greinke, and Nolasco can be aggressive in throwing strikes and pitching to contact. The bullpen can use the rest and a solid seven or eight innings from each starter would be welcomed as the season winds down.

3. Maintain Intensity:

The Giants might not be very good, but they’re still the Dodgers biggest rivals. There’s no doubt the Giants are coming to LA to play spoiler and delay the NL West celebration. Whether the Dodgers rest some of their starters or not, they must treat this series with playoff intensity and focus on getting some victories.

Prediction:

The Dodgers will sweep this series against the Giants. With Kershaw, Greinke and Nolasco on the mound, the Dodgers should have solid pitching and their offense should get it done against a poor pitching staff.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about the impending Alexander Guerrero signing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA_E1yvFauE