The Dodgers turn to Chad BIllingsley to stem the tide tonight against the rival Giants. Billingsley, 5-0 with a 2.21 ERA, has assumed the role of ace this season, and not just in our eyes. In his last 11 regular season starts, Billingsley is 9-0 with a 2.55 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 70.2 innings.
Billingsley has pitched at least seven innings in three straight starts. He has never had a streak of four such starts.
James Loney sits against the lefty Barry Zito tonight, the second straight game against Zito Loney has been benched. Matt Kemp moves into the cleanup spot:
Furcal SS
Hudson 2B
Ethier RF
Kemp CF
Martin C
Loretta 1B
Blake 3B
Billingsley P
Pierre LF
Josh Rawitch gives us some updates on a pair of injured pitchers at Inside The Dodgers:
- Hiroki Kuroda threw long toss and will throw off a mound in the next few days in the attempt to build his rehab schedule
- Jason Schmidt is scheduled to throw in San Bernardino Tuesday, and I will attempt to be at that game.
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