The Dodgers went over half the season without a winning streak longer than three games. Now, they have two four (or more)-game winning streaks in the last three weeks, and look to win their fifth straight game Wednesday night, going for a sweep of the Rockies at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers have won eight of their last nine games at home.
Hiroki Kuroda gets the start for the Dodgers, in what may or may not be his final start this season with Los Angeles. Kuroda is the Dodger most coveted by other teams this week, with Sunday's trade deadline approaching. However, Kuroda holds a no-trade clause, and it is unknown whether or not he will exercise it should a trade arise.
On the field, Kuroda just needs some run support. By just about any measure, Kuroda has been solid this year (3.19 ERA, 3.77 FIP, 3.63 xFIP, 3.68 SIERA, and 4.13 tERA), yet his record is just 6-12. The Dodgers have scored 20 runs in Kuroda's last 10 starts, during which he has only collected one victory, despite an ERA of 3.28 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nearly three to one. Tonight is the first start for Kuroda against the Rockies this season.
Aaron Cook gets the call for the Rockies, and he has been terrible so far this season. Cook began the year on the DL with a broken finger in his right hand, and has made eight starts since his return. He is 1-5 with a 5.84 ERA this season, and has more walks (19) than strikeouts (15). Cook has always been a low strikeout pitcher (3.8 strikeouts per nine innings in his career), but this year he is only striking out 3.0 batters per nine. It's his lowest mark since 2005, a year in which he was 7-2 with a 3.67 ERA, but he also wasn't walking anybody then.
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.