Dodgers and D-backs Wrap Up Slithery Series

Chris Capuano (11-10, 3.58) vs. Wade Miley (14-9, 2.85)

Dodgers Lineup: vs. Arizona

The Dodgers finally hung on to win one against the Snakes last night 2-1. They snapped a eight game losing streak against the D-backs with the much-needed victory. The offense still remained flat as the Dodgers scored their two runs on two solo shots by Hanley Ramirez and Andre Ethier respectively. Josh Beckett put in a solid start, and only allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings. Randy Choate and Jamey Wright both pitched scoreless middle inning relief, and Brandon League came in to close shop in the ninth for his tenth save on the season.

The Dodgers look to squeak out a series split against the D-backs in the fourth and final game today. The Dodgers and D-backs will meet for two more games in Arizona in a little over a week.

The Dodgers remain 4 1/2 games out of first place in the NL West. Although a division title is still possible, the reality of it is becoming less probable. The Dodgers still have six games to play against the San Francisco Giants which will ultimately decide the divisional crown. Going for the second Wild Card spot seems like a more attainable goal. The Dodgers are tied with Pittsburgh at 1 1/2 games back of the St. Louis Cardinals who won last night. Remember, the Dodgers still play the Cardinals at Dodger Stadium for a four-game series in a couple of weeks.

Chris Capuano hasn’t won since August 12th in Miami, and he is 2-6 since the All-Star Break. He lost to Arizona at Dodger Stadium back on July 31st

when he allowed 5 earned runs on 6 hits over 6 innings of work. In his last start in Colorado, Capuano was really roughed up. He allowed 6 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings for the loss. In his career against Arizona, Cappy is 2-6 with a 4.67 ERA. Chris Johnson, Justin Upton, and Miguel Montero have gievn him a bad time, and they all have gone deep against Capuano. Chris has allowed 12 earned runs and 16 hits in his last two starts. Can Cappy regain his first half form? He’s going to be integral to this team going down the stretch and in the playoffs if they should get that far.

The Dodgers will have their work cut out for them since Wade Miley will pitch for Arizona in the southpaw showdown. Miley will be vying for his 15th win of the season, and his name has been thrown around when Rookie of the Year discussions come up. Last time out against Cincinnati, Miley lost after allowing 3 earned runs off just 6 hits over 7 innings. We’ve seen the young hurler before this season. We beat him back on July 5th in Arizona when the Dodgers managed 4 earned runs on 10 hits against him. But the Dodgers did lose to Miley at Dodger Stadium on July 31st when we could only muster 1 run on 3 hits in his eight innings of work. This just reflects the curious nature of this team, and how we have increasingly fared better on the road than at home in the second half. So far against the Dodgers, Miley is 2-1 with a 3.22 ERA. Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp have both homered off of him.

Game time is at 1:10 pm. The Dodgers would love to come away with a split series here before San Diego comes to Dodger Stadium for a three-game set. Keep it here for all your daily Dodger coverage.