Dodgers try to close out April with a series sweep

LOS ANGELES —- The Dodgers will try to sweep the Phillies today in the conclusion of their three game series. Hyun-jin Ryu is making his fifth start of the season and he will go against right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta, who is making his major league debut.

Pivetta has had a strong start in 2017, in his three starts at Lehigh Valley in the International League he had allowed three runs, eight hits, walked two and struck out 24 in 19 innings pitched.

This will be the 51st time a starting pitcher has made his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since 1958, those pitchers have won 17, lost 19 and had 14 no-decisions.

The Dodgers have faced more pitchers making their debut in the past few seasons than in previous seasons, Pivetta will be the 11th starter making his debut against the Dodgers since 2014, in the prior ten games, the Dodgers are 5-5.

This is the second time this season a pitcher has made his debut against the Dodgers and in both cases, Ryu has been the opponent. The first was in Colorado when Kyle Freeland pitched six strong innings to win his first career start.

The Phillies are 2-2 against left-handed starters this season. As a team, they are hitting .237/.297/.420 against left-handed pitching and only one player, Freddy Galvis has faced Ryu before. Galvis is 0-for-3 in his career against Ryu.

Game info

Time: 1:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA, KTLA