Editorials

Game Preview: Dodgers Try For 2-Game Sweep in Oakland

Los Angeles Dodgers at Oakland Athletics

Time: 7:05 PM PT

Venue: Oakland Coliseum

Oakland Record: 67-47

Los Angeles Record: 63-51

How are the Dodgers Doing?

After losing eight straight games at the Oakland Coliseum, the Dodgers finally defeated the Athletics in their home ballpark. Prior to Tuesday’s win, the Dodgers had not won a game in Oakland since 2001.

Los Angeles pulled off the victory with early offense. A’s starter, Sean Manaea, lasted just 2.2 innings, allowing three runs. The Dodgers offense drew seven walks and recorded nine hits in their 4-2 victory. Rich Hill earned his fifth victory of the year after allowing just two runs in 5.1 innings.



Why is this Game Important?

The combination of the Dodgers win and the Diamondbacks loss put Los Angeles back into first place. They lead the NL West by just 0.5 games.

With this being just a two-game series, the Dodgers have a chance to earn their first sweep on the road since June, when they won all three of their games against the Mets.

Pitching Matchup

Clayton Kershaw (5-5, 2.55 ERA) vs Brett Anderson (2-3, 4.64 ERA)

Clayton Kershaw will take the hill to close the two-game series in Oakland. His last start was overlooked by the Dodgers offense. He earned the win after receiving 21 runs of support in his last outing against the Brewers. Kershaw has a .500 record for the first time this year, after winning four of his last five decisions.

Former Dodger Brett Anderson will start for Oakland. Anderson went 11-11 with a 4.18 ERA between 2015-16 in Los Angeles. He is making just his 10th start of the year. He threw seven shutout innings in his last outing, allowing just two hits against the Tigers.

Matchup of the Day

Brian Dozier vs Brett Anderson

Brian Dozier has faced Anderson more than any other player on the Dodgers roster, with seven at-bats. He has two hits against the southpaw, including a double. Dozier reached base four times on Tuesday, after recording a single and drawing three walks.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Dodgers: -155

Athletics: +145

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 55% chance of winning

Athletics: 45% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The Athletic’s 67-47 record is their best record through 114 games since 1992.

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Arthur Cribbs

Arthur Cribbs is a journalism student at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He is a lifelong Dodgers fan and when he is not at school, he resides in Los Angeles.

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