Miami @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 20, 2019 ) Miami 6, LA Dodgers 10

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on pace to win 105 games, but Saturday’s victory offered a reminder as to why the team figures to add a few relief pitchers before the July 31 trade deadline. One day after allowing five runs in the eighth inning of a 10-6 triumph, the Dodgers aim for a sweep of their three-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday.

Justin Turner and Joc Pederson belted solo homers while rookie Matt Beaty went deep for the third straight game in Saturday’s win as the Dodgers improved to 39-12 at home and moved 15 games ahead of second-place Arizona in the National League West. The lone sour note in the victory was the performance of Los Angeles' bullpen, which continued to be a source of concern after five relievers combined to allow six runs – three earned – over the final three innings. Miami, which lost for the fifth time in seven games, sends rookie Jordan Yamamoto to the mound for the series finale. Starlin Castro homered in Saturday’s loss and is batting .362 with three blasts and eight RBIs in 14 games this month.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jordan Yamamoto (4-0, 1.59 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (8-1, 3.44)

Yamamoto made his sixth career start on Tuesday and recorded the victory after limiting San Diego to three runs - two earned - over five innings. “He did a really good job of coming back from a rough second inning and giving us five quality innings and keeping us in the game,” Miami third baseman Brian Anderson told reporters. The 23-year-old Yamamoto has worked at least five innings in five of his six starts and owns a 34-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio with 15 hits allowed over 34 frames.

Buehler settled in after a rough beginning on Tuesday and allowed six runs - two earned - over six frames in a no-decision versus Philadelphia. The 24-year-old native of Kentucky posted a 5.22 ERA in his first six starts this season but has gone 5-1 with a 2.79 mark over his last 12 outings. Buehler has recorded a 3.60 ERA in two career starts versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers are 15-5 against NL East opponents this season - including three-game sweeps of Philadelphia and Atlanta.

2. Miami SS Miguel Rojas left Saturday's game with a right shoulder strain and is listed as day-to-day.

3. Los Angeles LHP Clayton Kershaw has worked at least six innings in each of his 17 starts this season.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Marlins 2