The Dodgers have shutout their opponents for two straight games. If they are to add a third consecutive shutout Tuesday night against the Tigers, Chad Billingsley will have to improve on his performance of late. Billingsley has struggled in June, allowing 17 runs and 30 hits in just 13 2/3 innings in his three starts.
While there has been some bad luck involved -- opponents this month have a .500 batting average on balls in play against Billingsley -- that will happen when a pitcher misses location, as Billingsley has, and allows a 27% line drive rate. What is more troubling perhaps is that Billingsley has eight walks against nine strikeouts in those three starts. He is 5-6 with a 4.65 ERA on the season, though his ERA was 3.46 at the end of May.
Max Scherzer starts for the Tigers, looking for his 10th win of the season. The former Diamondback is 9-2 with a 4.35 ERA, and he has won his last three starts. Detroit is 14-9 in June, and are a game behind Cleveland in the American League Central.
The last time the Dodgers shutout three straight opponents was July 25-27, 1991, when strong performances by Ramon Martinez, Orel Hershiser, and Bobby Ojeda led the Dodgers to wins over the Phillies and Expos (twice).
Tonight's 7:10 p.m. PDT game will be televised by 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.