The Dodgers finish off their six-game road trip with a weekend series in Phoenix to face the Diamondbacks. Forgive the two teams if they are sick of one another, as this is their third meeting in the last four weekends. Arizona is a half-game behind the Giants for first place in the National League West.
Chad Billingsley gets the start for the Dodgers, looking for better results than his last start, against Arizona last Sunday at Dodger Stadium. Billingsley lost command in the sixth inning, and four walks led to a winning rally for the Diamondbacks. Billingsley is 0-2 against Arizona this season, both starts at Dodger Stadium, though his first start was much better. On May 14, Billingsley only allowed one hit in eight innings, but took the loss as an unearned run did him and the Dodgers in.
The winning pitcher on May 14 was Josh Collmenter, who pitched six scoreless innings in his first major league start. The right-hander with the over-the-top delivery is 6-6 with a 3.10 ERA, and he last started last Friday at Dodger Stadium. Collmenter allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings in that loss to the Dodgers, and was going to be skipped in the rotation, but manager Kirk Gibson decided against it, deciding to use Thursday's off day to give his starting rotation an extra day of rest.
The Dodgers are 3-6 against the Diamondbacks this season. In all three series matchups, the Dodgers have won the first game, followed by Arizona winning the next two.
Tonight's 6:40 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Prime Ticket. For more news and information on the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read True Blue LA.