Dodgers Vs. Reds Preview: Team Looks For Third Consecutive Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers came to play last night after a 6-2 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers look to keep building on their road success as they face off against the Reds in the second game of a four-game series.

On the mound for the Dodgers will be Josh Beckett. Beckett is 3-3 on the season with an ERA of 2.57 in 11 starts. Since his no-hitter, Beckett has put together two great starts, but has come up with losses in both. Beckett gave up only two earned runs in both starts; however, has not received the kind of run support he would expect from the Dodger offense.

Opposing Beckett will be Mike Leake. The right-handed Leake is 3-5 on the season with an ERA of 3.29 in his 12 starts. Leake is coming off of a poor performance against the National League West-leading San Francisco Giants, where he gave up five earned runs and eight hits over five innings in a loss.

Recently, Leake has been giving up a lot of runs, which may be something the Dodgers desperately need. Leake has allowed nine runs to cross the plate over his last two starts.

Beckett has not faired well against the Reds in the past. In three starts, Beckett has put up a record of 1-2 with a dismal ERA of 7.07. In those starts, Beckett has given up 18 hits and 11 earned runs.

Leake has encountered the Dodgers four times in his career and has a record of 2-2 with an ERA of 4.80. Leake has allowed four home runs and 16 earned runs in those starts.

The Dodgers will receive a much-needed boost, as Dee Gordon and Andre Ethier will both return to the lineup against the right-handed pitcher. The Dodgers are currently 8.5 games back of the Giants, but are looking to continue to build their road record as they lead the National League at 21-12.

Dodgers Lineup:

2B: Gordon

SS: Ramirez

LF: Puig

1B: Gonzalez

LF: Kemp

CF: Ethier

3B: Turner

C: Butera

P: Beckett

Reds Lineup:

CF: Hamilton

3B: Frazier

1B: Votto

2B: Phillips

RF: Bruce

C: Mesoraco

LF: Schumaker

SS: Cozart

P: Leake

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