Dodgers getting ready for stretch of southpaws

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers face Chris Rusin of the Rockies in the middle game of their three-game series on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, beginning a stretch of southpaws that could last into the weekend.

After Rusin on Tuesday, Jorge De La Rosa pitches for the Rockies on Wednesday to close out the series. After Thursday's off day, the Pirates come to town, with left-handers Jeff Locke and Francisco Liriano starting Friday and Saturday.

The Dodgers lost six of their first eight games against southpaw starters this season, though three of those games were Madison Bumgarner wins. But LA simply didn't face many lefties in the first half of the season. In the first 72 games of the year the Dodgers faced 12 left-handed starters, and were 4-8 in those games.

In the last 71 games, the Dodgers have faced 22 lefties, and are 15-7 in those games.

The Dodgers are hitting .265/.339/.418 against southpaws this season, with a .329 wOBA, tops in the National League in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, wOBA, OPS+ (112) and wRC+ (110), ad third in batting average.

Justin Ruggiano has fit right in nicely since his acquisition on Aug. 31. The owner of a .368 career wOBA and a 134 wRC+ against southpaws in his career, Ruggiano has started against all four lefties in his first 14 days as a Dodger, going 7-for-16 (.438) with three doubles, two home runs and a walk so far against lefties.

Game info

Time: 7:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA