The Dodgers have an early game today as they will try to leave the Mile High city winning two of three games against its division foes. The Dodgers better get used to getting up early because starting Friday, they are scheduled to play a whole weekend of morning games against the Chicago Cubs.

The Dodgers will send out Clayton Kershaw (2-0) to oppose the Rockies’ rookie lefty pitcher Drew Pomeranz (0-1).

Los Angeles Dodgers (17-7) at Colorado Rockies (11-12)
12:10 p.m. PST, May 2, 2012
Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
TV: Prime Ticket
Radio: 570 AM (English), 1020 AM (Spanish)
Game-Time Weather: 52 degrees, cloudy

Keys to Dodger Victory:

Pitching: Kershaw seems to have trouble pitching to the Rockies’ Dexter Fowler. Although Fowler is struggling at the plate this year, he has a lifetime average of .423 (11-for-26) against Kershaw. Once on base, Fowler has the speed to annoy any pitcher, so Kershaw will have to not allow Fowler to be the motor that gets the Rockies offense going.

Hitting: The Dodgers are enjoying the thin air, already blasting four home runs against the Rockies this series. Although the Rockies are sending out one of its best prospects in Pomeranz, he is still a rookie and is coming off a start where he had to come out early with a forearm injury. Pomeranz has allowed two home runs this season, both at Coors Field. This experienced Dodger lineup needs to make Pomeranz pay for any mistake pitch thrown in this hitter-friendly ball park and add to his total of home runs allowed.

Fun Facts:

-Dee Gordon‘s home run last night was the first of his Major League career and only his eighth if his Minor League career is included.

-Kershaw was 6-1 in day games last season, throwing two complete games and one shutout.

-Tony Gwynn Jr. of the Dodgers and Eric Young Jr. of the Rockies are both proud sons of former MLB players of the same names. Eric Young Sr. was a former Dodger, while Tony Gwynn Sr. was a longtime Dodger rival with the San Diego Padres.