The Los Angeles Dodgers once again benefitted from a solid showing from Clayton Kershaw as the team evened up their series with the Washington Nationals. After losing 6-4 on Monday, Kershaw pitched eight solid innings for his 17th win and the Dodgers getting the 4-1 victory. The Dodgers are now seeking their first series win over Washington after taking 17 of the last 25 games.
The Nationals will make things tough on the Dodgers Wednesday. Jordan Zimmermann takes the mound behind his 10-5 record with a 2.93 ERA. He is currently 4-0 with a 2.21 ERA in the last month of pitching, getting the Nationals a win in all six of his starts. In his last game, he gave up two runs while striking out eight against the Seattle Mariners. Against the Dodgers, Zimmermann has been inconsistent. He is 2-1, but has a 5.61 ERA in five starts. In his last start back in May, he pitched four solid innings before getting pulled after a rain delay.
The Dodgers will start Carlos Frias who is making his major league debut after getting called up. He has appeared in eight relief appearances, registering a 5.65 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In 20 minor league starts, Frias is 9-5 with a 4.63 ERA. He was called up when rosters were allowed to be expanded.
Frias will be forced to face a hot Bryce Harper who is looking strong in recent games. The batter hit his fourth home run in five games while going 8 for 19 in that stretch. The Nationals will also be getting Denard Span in the lineup after he sat out against Kershaw. He is leading the team with a .299 average after hitting two home runs in Monday's game. He is 8 for 22 with seven runs in his last five games.
The Dodgers are hoping to keep their offense afloat. Hanley Ramirez is 10 for 22 against Zimmermann while Matt Kemp is 6 for 14 with two home runs. Yasiel Puig is struggling, going just 2 for 30 while getting just one hit against the Nationals.
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