:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/3103295/GYI0065250545.jpg)
Clayton Kershaw had a magnificent week last week, with two complete game wins, including one shutout, and a whopping 22 strikeouts. As a result, he was named the National League Player of the Week on Monday, the first Dodger to win the award since Rafael Furcal captured the honors from June 28 - July 4 last season.
Kershaw is the first Dodgers pitcher to win the award since Eric Gagne from August 4-10, 2003. The last Dodger starting pitcher to win the award was Odalis Perez from April 15-21, 2002.
Tonight the Dodgers make their first visit to Target Field to face the Twins, and their first visit to Minnesota since 2006. They are seeking their first win in Minnesota since Game 7 of the 1965 World Series.
Chad Billingsley hasn't pitched more than 5 1/3 innings in any start this month, after putting together a string of eight straight starts of six or more innings through the end of May. After striking out just three batters in three straight starts, it was at least a good sign that Billingsley struck out six Tigers in his last start.
Nick Blackburn gets the start for the Twins. Since the beginning of May, the right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.35 ERA in 10 starts.
Lineups
| Dodgers | Twins | |||
| LF | Gwynn |
CF | Revere | |
| 3B | Blake | 2B | Casilla | |
| DH | Ethier | C | Mauer | |
| CF | Kemp | RF | Cuddyer | |
| 1B | Loney | DH | Thome | |
| 2B | Uribe | 3B | Valencia | |
| RF | Oeltjen | LF | Tosoni | |
| C | Ellis | 1B | Hughes | |
| SS | Gordon | SS | Nishioka | |
| P | Billingsley | P | Blackburn |
|
Game Time: 5:10 p.m.
TV: Prime Ticket