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It’s the rematch of the thrilling 2019 NLCS, but instead of seeing two dominant teams go to battle, both teams are looking to end their losing streak.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (8-6) are back in Southern California after delivering a sweep to the Colorado Rockies and getting swept by the St. Louis Cardinals. Their evenly matched opponent, the Milwaukee Brewers (8-5), also didn’t see a win in their last series, going 0-for-3 against the Los Angeles Angels.
Game one: Corbin Burnes (0-1, 9.90 ERA) vs. Julio Urías (0-0, 3.12 ERA)
Friday, Apr. 12 - 7:10 p.m. PDT
Julio Urías will open the series on the bump for LA and it is still unclear if this will be his last. Urías was scheduled to make the transition to the bullpen when Kershaw rejoined the starting rotation, but with Hyun-Jin Ryu also hitting the injured list, he may stay a starter for a little while longer.
Urías’ most recent start in Colorado was not his brightest moment, but the Dodgers offense provided him with great run support (he even helped out his own cause with an RBI). In 3 2⁄3 innings, Urías allowed three runs to score on four hits and four walks. His first start of the season was at home, where he pitched five scoreless innings against the rival San Francisco Giants and only allowed three hits while striking out seven.
Pitching for the Brewers will be Corbin Burnes, who isn’t getting off to a great start. Burnes has allowed three home runs in each of his two starts this season. He might face some trouble against the Dodgers bats, who have hit 29 home runs through their first 13 games. The only thing - Burnes is striking batters out left and right. He notched 12 K’s against the Cardinals and six against the Chicago Cubs.
Both starting pitchers are seeking to earn their first win.
Game two: Zach Davies (1-0, 1.69 ERA) vs. TBD
Saturday, Apr. 13 - 6:10 p.m. PDT
Ryu’s scheduled start was set to be on Saturday against the Brewers, but with his recent injury (groin strain) he leaves the spot open. Dave Roberts still has not announced what his move will be, but there are some ideas being thrown around.
#Dodgers will need a starter when Ryu's spot comes up on Saturday. Roberts eliminated the idea of a "bullpen game" given how much work 'pen has had already this year. Acknowledged promoting a starter for one game is "a possibility. We're going to continue to talk about that."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 9, 2019
What we do know, however, is Zach Davies will be on the mound for Milwaukee. Davies is off to an impressive start, only allowing four runs to score in his first two games (10 2⁄3 innings).
Game three: Jhoulys Chacín (2-1, 4.24 ERA) vs. Ross Stripling (0-1, 3.78 ERA)
Sunday, Apr. 14 - 1:10 p.m. PDT
Though the Dodgers’ Sunday starter has not been officially named, Ross Stripling will likely be the one who gets the nod since it is his turn in the rotation.
After throwing 5 1⁄3 scoreless innings in the Dodgers six-hour game on Mar. 29, Stripling has started to face a bit of a struggle. In the games against the Giants and Cardinal, he has allowed a total of three home runs and seven runs. He was credited with the loss against the Cardinals, giving up four runs in a 4-0 game. Chicken Strip looks to bounce back on Sunday night, but he will need the Dodgers offense to help him out.
On the other side, the Brewers are sending Jhoulys Chacín to the mound. Chacín has been fairly consistent in his starts this season, seeing almost identical lines in his three outings. In his 17 innings pitched, Chacín has collected eight earned runs off of nine hits, eight walks and two homers, while striking out 14. His performances last for about 5-6 innings and gives up about three runs per game, earning him an ERA of 4.24.