Los Angeles @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 8, 2012 ) LA Dodgers 3, San Francisco 2

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to win the three-game series against the National League West-leading San Francisco Giants without outfielder Matt Kemp, who has inflammation and some fraying of the labrum in his left shoulder. The Dodgers sit 4 1/2 games behind the Giants with 23 contests to play after rallying for a 3-2 win on Hanley Ramirez's RBI single in the top of the ninth inning on Saturday. Kemp is 3-for-30 since running into the wall at Coors Field last month, and he’s expected to be out until at least Tuesday. With Kemp out, the Dodgers will need more production out of first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who delivered a much-needed leadoff triple in the ninth on Saturday. Gonzalez is hitting .241 (14-for-58) with a home run and 10 RBI in 14 games since arriving from Boston.

The Giants could use a quality start from Barry Zito in the series finale to give their bullpen some rest. San Francisco’s starting rotation is considered among the best in the majors, but the Giants’ starters have completed seven innings just twice in the last 14 games. In left field, Gregor Blanco is expected to get most of the starts while Xavier Nady sits with a strained left hamstring. Blanco had two hits while batting eighth on Saturday. The Dodgers will likely be without infielder Adam Kennedy for the rest of the season after the veteran aggravated a pulled right groin muscle on Friday. Luis Cruz will continue to get most of the starts at third base, with Juan Uribe and Nick Punto also seeing an increase in playing time.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (5-6, 4.71 ERA) vs. Giants LH Barry Zito (10-8, 4.51)

Kershaw recorded his eighth consecutive quality start last Tuesday against San Diego, giving up one run with nine strikeouts over seven innings. He’s 1-3 with a 1.74 ERA in four starts against the Giants this season and is 7-4 with a 1.39 ERA in 16 career games (15 starts). He’s been especially tough at AT&T Park, where he owns a 0.66 ERA in eight games (seven starts).

Zito gave up four runs over five innings against Arizona last Monday, and he’s 1-0 with a 6.20 ERA in his previous five starts. In three starts against Los Angeles this season, Zito is 1-2 with a 3.44 ERA. He’s 7-9 with a 3.90 ERA in 24 career games against the Dodgers. Ramirez is 2-for-21 (.095) lifetime against Zito.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers haven’t played a game decided by more than three runs since Aug. 28.

2. San Francisco is 30-15 this season when facing an opposing left-handed starting pitcher.

3. Dodgers 2B Mark Ellis has hit safely in his last six games, batting .429 (12-for-28) with four runs scored.