Chicago @ Los Angeles preview
Dodger Stadium
Last Meeting ( Aug 26, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 2, LA Dodgers 6
All the Los Angeles Dodgers needed to get back to their winning ways was a visit from the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers look to clinch the three-game series when they host the lowly Cubs again on Tuesday. Los Angeles had an 18-series streak without a loss come to an end over the weekend but picked itself right back up with a 6-2 win Monday and owns a 9 1/2-game lead in the National League West.
Chicago is playing out the string and sits in last place in the National League Central after losses in six of the last seven games. The Cubs will try to break a string of three straight games scoring three or fewer runs against Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday. Los Angeles is enjoying a stretch of nine straight games against sub-.500 teams that continues with San Diego and Colorado through the first week of September.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), KCAL (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Travis Wood (7-10, 3.22 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (13-7, 1.72)
Wood is trying to break a five-start winless streak, during which he has surrendered five home runs and posted a 5.16 ERA. That stretch began against Los Angeles on Aug. 2, when the All-Star was lit up for five runs on seven hits and five walks in 3 1/3 innings. Wood is 1-2 with a 7.65 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers.
Kershaw is bidding for a 12th straight quality start and is riding a 16-inning scoreless streak after holding his last two opponents without a run. The reigning Cy Young winner is making a bid for the NL MVP Award this season and leads the majors in ERA. Kershaw is 3-1 with a 1.61 ERA in four career starts against Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers RHP Josh Beckett (neck surgery) is expected to begin a throwing program on Wednesday.
2. Cubs SS Starlin Castro is waiting for his first extra-base hit since a double on Aug. 11.
3. Los Angeles RF Yasiel Puig went 3-for-5 with a homer on Monday after hitting .185 in his previous 15 games.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Cubs 2