Dodgers Try to Gain Momentum and Take Series Against Miami on Mother’s Day

Chris Capuano (0-2, 10.38) vs. Tom Koehler (0-0, 3.18)

Lineup: 

Crawford LF

Gordon SS

Kemp CF

Ethier RF

Van Slyke 1B

Schumaker 2B

Federowicz C

Punto 3B

Capuano P

The Dodgers finally won Saturday night and snapped their eight-game losing streak. Hyun-jin Ryu pitched excellently and only allowed one run on five hits to the lowly Marlins. Even though the Marlins may be the worst team in baseball, the Dodgers have played just as poorly in the last few weeks. The win felt like we had won the World Series, and Dodger fans shouted with excitement from every corner of Los Angeles. Now the Dodgers will need to use the adrenaline from the win in order to keep the momentum going. A series win against the Marlins is desperately needed before they begin a three-game set with the Nationals led by wonder boy Bryce Harper on Monday.

Chris Capuano has had a rough two starts so far this season. Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Capuano is still looking for his first win on the season. His first two starts have been disastrous. Last time out against the D-backs, Capuano allowed 5 runs on 8 hits in just 4 innings. His first start was a mere 2 innings after being shellacked to the tune of 5 runs on 5 hits. The Dodgers will need Cappy to make a quality start on Sunday against the Fish in order to take the series. The 34-year old lefty is 5-5 with a 3.68 ERA against the Marlins in his career.

Tom Koehler is looking for his first Major League victory. The 26-year old right-hander made his debut with the Marlins last September, and he only appeared in eight games in 2012 going 0-1 with

Tom Koehler will be vying for his first MLB win in his second career start. Photo: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

a 5.40 ERA. This year he’s appeared in 6 games in relief, but this will be his first start and second start overall.  The Marlins, like the Dodgers, have had to deal with a plethora of injuries this season. They have 12 players who are serving 13 DL stints or are currently still on the DL. That’s the most in the Majors. Koehler replaced Wade LeBlanc in the rotation giving Miami five right-handers. LeBlanc, who was 0-5 with a 6.11 ERA in 7 starts was put in the bullpen and available for long-relief. In AAA, Koehler had made three starts for New Orleans and had a 1.06 ERA before being called up.

Zack Greinke feels that he is ready to return to the Dodgers and start on Wednesday against the Nationals. Greinke pitched 4 1/3 innings on Friday in a rehab start for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He said that his surgically repaired collarbone didn’t bother him. Is it too soon? I tend to think so.

The Dodgers will be playing with pink bats to commemorate Mother’s Day on Sunday. The 1:10 p.m. game will air on Prime Ticket.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the fellow moms out there!