The Dodgers haven't won a series since April 22-24, but have a chance to do so Thursday night as they battle the Pirates at PNC Park. Since winning two of three games at Wrigley Field two and a half weeks ago, the Dodgers have lost four straight series, all two games to one. However, the Dodgers have won two of the first three games of their four-game set in Pittsburgh, and look to make it three in a row tonight.
Jon Garland gets the start for the Dodgers, making his sixth start of the season. Garland began the season on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle, and made just on rehab start before returning on April 15. Garland allowed five runs in four innings in his first start of the season, but since then has made four consecutive quality starts, with a collective 2.57 ERA in 28 innings. However, thanks to a combination of poor run support and a poor bullpen, Garland hasn't won since April 20.
Charlie Morton has been a pleasant surprise so far this season for the Pirates. Morton, who was 2-12 with a 7.57 ERA last season, is 4-1 this year with a 3.13 ERA. However, Morton has been lucky to an extent, as he has as many walks (24) as strikeouts in his 46 innings this season.
Andre Ethier had his 30-game hitting streak snapped on Sunday, the second-longest hitting streak in Dodgers' franchise history. However, he did walk that day, and has reached base in 35 straight games, an under-publicized streak that is still going. Ethier is hitting .380/.441/.540 in those 35 games.
Tonight's 4:05 p.m. PDT game will be televised on KCAL. For more news and information on the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.