Where The Rubber Meets The Road

The Dodgers head into the rubber game of their series in Arizona looking to win a series, but they have not had success in these situations this year. On the season, the Dodgers are 4-9 in the third and final game of a tied series, including 3-6 on the road. They have lost their last three such games, in Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Anaheim.

It's not as cool as Oakland giving away MC Hammer bobblehead dolls today, but folks sitting in the outfield at Chase Field could be in for a souvenir Sunday. Ted Lilly has allowed 19 home runs this season, third most in the National League. The Diamondbacks have hit 55 home runs at Chase Field this season, tied for the third-most at home in the NL. Also, Lance Berkman hit home run number 25 this morning, so Matt Kemp needs a home run in his third straight game to keep pace for the National League lead.

Clock Ticking On Furcal

At SB Nation Los Angeles, I opined that Rafael Furcal has two weeks left to establish his trade value:

On August 1, the Dodgers open a series in San Diego against the Padres. Gordon should be starting at shortstop in that game, and for the rest of this season. Whether Furcal is with another team or sitting on the Dodger bench that night at Petco Park is entirely up to Furcal these next two weeks.

Furcal, with 17 hits in 100 at-bats this season, is sitting today. Jamey Carroll is starting at shortstop.

Lineups

Game Time: 1:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday