Los Angeles @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 19, 2012 ) LA Dodgers 7, Washington 6

The Washington Nationals attempt to clinch a postseason berth when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Thursday’s finale of a three-game series. Washington has a five-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East but can wrap up at least a wild-card berth by beating the Dodgers. Los Angeles is two games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the NL’s second wild card after splitting a doubleheader with the Nationals on Wednesday.

Matt Kemp’s ninth-inning homer lifted the Dodgers to a 7-6 victory in Wednesday’s second game. The homer was Kemp’s 19th of the season but only his second in his last 32 games. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez had four RBIs in the twinbill and has 42 in 51 games with Los Angeles. Washington notched its 90th victory in the opener. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman played both games of the doubleheader despite having a cortisone shot in his ailing right shoulder prior to the first game. Zimmerman is batting .332 since the All-Star break.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Chris Capuano (11-10, 3.60 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (9-6, 3.16)

Capuano has gone six starts without a win and is just 1-5 over his last 10 outings. He has gone five or fewer innings in three of his last five starts and lasted just 4 1/3 against the St. Louis Cardinals last Friday when he gave up four runs (two earned) and six hits. Capuano blanked Washington on three hits over 6 2/3 innings on April 29 when he struck out nine. He is 3-3 with a 3.72 ERA in seven career outings against the Nationals.

Detwiler has won three of his last four decisions but has received no-decisions in each of his last two outings. He allowed one run and seven hits in six innings against the Atlanta Braves last Friday. Detwiler lost to the Dodgers on April 27 when he gave up three runs and five hits in six innings. He is 0-1 with a 3.77 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against Los Angeles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington OF Michael Morse (wrist) played both games of the doubleheader – he had three RBIs in the second game – in his first action since Sept. 11.

2. Dodgers OF Shane Victorino stole two games in Wednesday’s first game to match his career high of 37 steals.

3. Zimmerman is 6-for-10 with a homer against Capuano.
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