Josh Beckett, Dodgers go for series win in Colorado

DENVER -- The Dodgers try to secure their third straight series win over the Rockies this season, and will do so with Josh Beckett on the mound.

Beckett allowed five runs in five innings his last start against Cleveland on Tuesday, one more earned run than he allowed during five starts in the month of June.

He enters play on Sunday fifth in the National League with a 2.37 ERA in his 16 starts, including a 2.30 ERA in seven starts since his no-hitter on May 25, with 41 strikeouts and just nine walks.

The Dodgers have gone 39 straight games with two or fewer walks issued by their starting pitcher, the longest streak of the modern era (since 1900). The last game in which a Dodgers starter walked more than two batters was Beckett's no-hitter, which included three walks.

Beckett faced Colorado once this season, allowing two runs (on two solo home runs) in eight innings in a no-decision at Dodger Stadium on April 25, with six strikeouts and no walks.

Drew Butera is catching on Sunday, his ninth straight time catching Beckett and the 11th time in Beckett's last 12 starts Butera has started behind the plate.

Hanley Ramirez gets the day off in Sunday's series finale as expected, though it won't be Erisbel Arruebarrena filling in at shortstop. Arruebarrena was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right hip flexor strain. Miguel Rojas gets the start at shortstop on Sunday.

Scott Van Slyke, who got his first day off against a left-handed pitcher all season on Saturday, is back in the lineup on Sunday, playing center field and batting fifth against southpaw Yohan Flande.

Troy Tulowitzki is back in the Rockies lineup on Sunday after missing two games with tightness in his groin.