Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Goes Against Stephen Strasburg for the First Time Ever

Baseball fans everywhere will be treated to quite the pitching spectacle on Monday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw (10-1, 1.58 ERA) duels against the Washington Nationals Stephen Strasburg (10-0, 2.90 ERA). This is the first time that the two aces have faced each other and they are sure to bring along much excitement with them.

For Dodgers fans, Monday will bring along with it a familiar feelings of relief as does every fifth day does, seeing as how whenever Kershaw takes the mound, a win is expected.

It's officially #KershawDay! pic.twitter.com/Bd64ZnaDhG

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 20, 2016

While you can almost guarantee a victory for the Dodgers most times the lefty is on the mound, Monday is a bit of an exception. While no other pitcher can statistically match Kershaw this season, Strasburg is one of the few who has been equally as dominant for his team.

https://twitter.com/MLBStatoftheDay/status/744940048718536704

https://twitter.com/MLBStatoftheDay/status/744938416224120833

Both Kershaw and Strasburg have been utterly dominant this season and it is rare you get to see two pitchers of this quality face off in a regular-season game.

While Kershaw leads the league in most statistical categories, Strasburg is no slouch in his own right. He lands in the top 10 in the NL in wins, strikeouts, WAR and total innings pitched. He also falls just outside the top 10 in ERA and WHIP, so Strasburg has been quite a challenge for hitters this season as well.

Perhaps a bit of an even more troubling stat for the Dodgers is the fact that Strasburg has owned them up to this point in his career. While the offense had some moments in the teams previous series against the Milwaukee Brewers, up to this point in the season it has been inconsistent to say the least. This inconsistency may lead to some trouble producing runs against the 27 year old.

Stephen Strasburg: 1.71 career ERA vs Dodgers (best vs any opponent, min. 10 IP). Faces Kershaw at 10 ET, ESPN pic.twitter.com/iBrxxH2C4M

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 20, 2016

Runs will certainly be at a premium in the game as both pitchers have a tendency to get ahead in counts and make quick work of batters. This very well may turn into a race to one run and whoever can get there first can fall back on the arm of their starter to carry them home.

Either way, this game will surely be one to savor for those who appreciate excellent pitching.

First pitch of the three game series is at 7:10 PM PT at Dodger Stadium Monday night. The Dodgers have won three straight and look to close out their home stand strong, and gain ground on the first place San Francisco Giants.

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