The series finale at AT&T Park between the Dodgers and Giants Wednesday afternoon provides a pitching matchup of the highest order. Clayton Kershaw gets the call for the Dodgers, who are looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Tim Lincecum takes the hill for the Giants, who are looking for a sweep of their rivals and a seventh straight win against Los Angeles.
The Dodgers won four of their first five matchups with the Giants this season, including Kershaw beating Lincecum 2-1 on opening day at Dodger Stadium. However, the Giants have won their last six encounters, the longest losing streak by the Dodgers against their rivals since 1969. The Dodgers are a season-worst 14.5 games behind the Giants in the National League West, tied with San Diego for last place.
Kershaw is 10-4 with a 2.88 ERA this season in 20 starts, and leads the majors with 155 strikeouts. He allowed four runs in his last start, but all four runs were unearned. Kershaw hasn't allowed an earned run in his last two starts, a span of 15 innings. He is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in three starts against San Francisco this season, with four walks and 22 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings.
Like Kershaw, Lincecum was an All-Star this season. It was the fourth straight All-Star selection for Lincecum, who is 8-7 with a 2.99 ERA this season. He has allowed six total runs in his last five starts, putting up a 1.74 ERA and a 3-1 record with 12 walks and 38 strikeouts in 31 innings during that span. In 12 games against the Dodgers in his career, Lincecum is 5-2 with a 3.22 ERA.
Today's 12:45 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more news and information on the Dodgers, or on today's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.