Dodgers Vs. Nationals: Clayton Kershaw Looks For Second Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to snap a two-game losing streak on Friday night as they host the Washington Nationals (14-5) in the first game of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium, in a battle of the teams with the two best records in the National League. Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for the Dodgers, looking for his second win of the season.

Friday's matchup looked like it would be Kershaw vs. Stephen Strasburg, but a rainout last Sunday shifted the Nationals pitching rotation. Strasburg will pitch Saturday instead, leaving Friday's Washington pitching duties to Ross Detwiler, who just happens to have a microscopic 0.56 ERA through three starts.

Kershaw has five days rest after his finest outing of the season last Saturday in Houston, when he struck out nine while pitching seven scoreless innings against the Astros. Kershaw's ERA is 1.61 on the season, with 22 strikeouts in 22 innings.

Matt Kemp already has a major league-leading 10 home runs in just 19 games, tying Gary Sheffield (2000) for the Dodgers' April record for home runs. Kemp has four games remaining to set a new mark.

The Dodgers (13-6) will recall pitcher Nathan Eovaldi from Double A Chattanooga before Friday's game, though it is unclear whom he will replace. The Dodgers are 7-2 at home this season.

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