Joe Blanton Makes Dodgers Debut In Finale With Cubs

The Dodgers go for their sixth home sweep of the season on Sunday afternoon in their series finale with the Chicago Cubs. Joe Blanton makes his Dodgers debut two days after he was acquired from the Phillies for a player to be named later.

In his last 10 starts, covering all of June and July, Blanton has 67 strikeouts against just seven unintentional walks in 71 innings. But he also allowed 12 home runs during that span, and a 4.18 ERA. Eleven of the 12 home runs were solo shots.

Justin Germano, who was acquired from the Boston Red Sox for cash on July 19, gets the start for the Cubs, he second start since the trade. In eight innings with the Cubs, Germano has allowed three runs on nine hits, with two walks and four strikeouts.

Notes

• Matt Kemp has a seven-game hitting streak, during which he is hitting .483/.500/.828 with 14 hits, including four doubles and two home runs.
• The Cubs will call up third baseman Josh Vitters and outfielder Brett Jackson today, per Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. No word yet on the corresponding moves.
• The Dodgers lead the all-time series with the Cubs 1.027-1,023.

Game Time: 1:10 p.m.

TV: KCAL

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