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The Dodgers and Giants hook up for a brief two-game series beginning tonight at Dodger Stadium, and I'm guessing runs will be at a premium. These two teams average the fewest runs per game in the National League this season, with the Dodgers dominating the Giants, 3.465 runs per contest to 3.463. Also, toeing the rubber will be Clayton Kershaw and Matt Cain, each working on a scoreless streak against their rivals.
Kershaw has started against the Giants twice this season, and has allowed no runs in 13 2/3 innings. Kershaw's scoreless streak against San Francisco stands at 23 2/3 innings, dating back to last season. In his career, Kershaw in his career has made seven starts against the hated ones, and has given up a total of eight runs (six earned). He is 3-1 with a 1.07 ERA in his career against the Giants, with 10 unintentional walks and 53 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings.
Cain meanwhile has a streak of his own, of 16 scoreless innings versus the Dodgers dating back to last season. Despite a respectable 4.32 ERA in his first 14 career starts against L.A., Cain was somehow 0-8. He has made up for that in his last four starts, allowing no runs three times and picking up three wins, including picking up the win in the third game of the season on April 2 at Dodger Stadium.
Overall, Kershaw has won his last three starts, giving up two runs, then one run, then zero runs in succession. If the pattern holds, Kershaw will in fact allow negative one run tonight at Dodger Stadium. That just might be exactly what the Dodgers need to win their second straight game.
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Before the game tonight, the Dodgers will show a public service announcement at Dodger Stadium featuring Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaregosa, a family of Giants fans, and a family of Dodgers fans, encouraging civility among fans. In addition, the Dodgers will be collecting donations for The Bryan Stow Fund during the game.
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Game Time: 7:10 p.m.
TV: Prime Ticket