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The Dodgers began the season with just nine wins in their first 32 games against the National League West but if they win their series opener on Monday afternoon against the Rockies at Coors Field, their divisional record will improve to .500 (27-27).
Clayton Kershaw gets the start for the Dodgers, his first start at Coors Field since his complete game shutout on July 2. Beginning with that start, Kershaw has allowed 13 runs (11 earned runs) in his last 11 starts, with a 1.20 ERA, 79 strikeouts and 13 walks in 82⅔ innings.
Kershaw has lasted at least seven innings in his three starts at Coors Field since the beginning of 2012, with a 3.09 ERA during that span. He did allow five runs, including a career-high three home runs (since tied) in a no-decision in Denver on May 2, 2002.
The Dodgers activated new acquisition Michael Young, who will wear No. 10. Young isn't starting against the Rockies, as Juan Uribe starts at third base in the series opener.
Michael Young meets the media in Colorado: pic.twitter.com/E4hZHKKBJC
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 2, 2013
Notes
- The Dodgers are 51-13 in their last 64 games, their hottest stretch of this length in franchise history. The only other teams to do that in the last 69 years are the 1954 Indians and 2001 Mariners. The last team do have a better stretch of that length was the 1944 Cardinals, with a 52-12 run. The last team to have a 52-13 stretch was those 1954 Indians.
- The Dodgers' 11½-game lead in the National League West is their largest since having the same lead at the end of play on Sept. 20, 1977.
- Todd Helton on Sunday became the 96th player in major league history with 2,500 hits. Per Elias he is the eighth player to begin his career since 1950, play for one franchise and have 2,500 hits. The others were George Brett (3,154 hits), Robin Yount (3,142), Cal Ripken Jr. (3,184), Tony Gwynn (3,141), Craig Biggio (3,060), Chipper Jones (2,726) and Derek Jeter (3,311 hits entering Monday).
- With the activation of Young, the Dodgers have 31 players on the active roster, including 15 pitchers.
Game info
Time: 1:10 p.m.
TV: KCAL