Dodgers Vs. Padres Preview: Puig Leading Off In Rubber Match

After winning four games in a row, the Los Angeles Dodgers received a reality check in Tuesday’s game. The Dodgers again committed errors but were unable to avoid a loss as they fell 6-3 to the San Diego Padres.

Taking the hill for the Dodgers is Dan Haren. Haren, who was desperately fighting for a job coming out the first half, found stability in his pitching lately and has earned a win in four of his last five decisions.

On the season, the 33 year old is 12-10 with a 4.17 ERA. In his last start, Haren allowed one earned run over six innings in a 2-1 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In his career, the right-hander has made 19 starts against the Padres in his 12-year career. This season, Haren has faced the Padres four times and is 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA. Haren went six innings in his last start against the Padres and didn’t allow any runs in a no-decision.

The Padres counter Haren with Ian Kennedy, who the Dodgers are quite familiar with. On the season, Kennedy is 10-12 with a 3.75 ERA. The 29 year old is attempting to rebound from his previous start in which he allowed 10 hits, four runs and two walks in just 5.1 innings.

Kennedy has made 16 starts against the Dodgers in his career and has a 5-6 record to show for it. He last faced the Dodgers Aug. 30 and allowed four hits and one earned run in seven innings.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly adjusted his lineup Wednesday as he has Justin Turner taking over at second base and batting second. Yasiel Puig remains the starter in center field and bats in the leadoff spot.

Dodgers Lineup

CF: Puig

2B: Turner

1B: Gonzalez

RF: Kemp

SS: Ramirez

LF: Crawford

3B: Uribe

C: Ellis

P: Haren

Padres Lineup

LF: Spangenberg

3B: Solarte

RF: Smith

2B: Gyorko

1B: Grandal

C: Rivera

CF: Venable

SS: Amarista

P: Kennedy
[divide] Yasiel Puig’s Top Five Plays