Atlanta @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2014 ) Atlanta 2, LA Dodgers 3

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti was quick to dismiss the notion that the team is looking to part ways with Matt Kemp - and with good reason. After homering for the third time in two contests and adding the game-winning hit, Kemp looks to provide an encore in the series finale against the visiting Atlanta Braves on Thursday. "Nobody's heard me say we're trading Matt Kemp," Colletti told reporters prior to Wednesday's 3-2 victory in 10 innings. "Nobody's heard me say we're shopping Matt Kemp. Nobody's heard me say that. That's all in another world."

Kemp has been playing like he's from another world, going 12-for-19 with six RBIs and four runs scored during the Dodgers' season-high five-game winning streak. Justin Upton matched Kemp with three hits and belted a tying homer to lead off the ninth Wednesday. Upton, like most batters, has struggled mightily against Thursday starter Clayton Kershaw - going 3-for-29 (.103) in his career.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, SPSO (Atlanta), SNLA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (10-6, 2.71 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (12-2, 1.76)

Teheran won his second straight decision and fourth in the last five after allowing three runs in six innings en route to a 5-3 victory over San Diego on Saturday. The 23-year-old Colombian didn't yield a homer after permitting four in his previous three outings. Teheran was blitzed in his previous meeting with the Dodgers, taking the loss in the National League Division Series after allowing six runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Kershaw continued his scorching run after scattering three hits Saturday en route to his fourth complete game - and second shutout - of the season. The two-time Cy Young Award recipient has won nine in a row and struck out at least seven in 12 consecutive outings. For all of his success, Kershaw has yet to record a decision versus Atlanta, although he has limited the Braves to a .189 batting average in four career starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers CF Yasiel Puig has at least one hit in each of his 10 outings versus the Braves.

2. Atlanta OF Jason Heyward is expected to miss a third straight game with a sore back.

3. Los Angeles RHP Dan Haren will start Friday's series opener versus the Chicago Cubs while LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu gets an extra day's rest before taking the mound Saturday.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 2, Braves 1