Hyun-jin Ryu Vies for Lucky 13th Win Against Red Sox in Game Two

Hyun-jin Ryu (12-4, 2.95) vs. Jon Lester (11-7, 4.09)

Lineup:

The number thirteen is a very lucky one for the Dodgers this the 2013 season. Hanley Ramirez, last night’s homerun hero, wears number 13. Hanley also hit his thirteenth homerun of the season. Carl Crawford stole his 12th and 13th base of the season during the shutout against the Red Sox, and Hyun-jin Ryu will be going for his 13th victory of his rookie season on Saturday afternoon in game two. 2013 surely seems like it is the Dodgers year.

The Dodgers, who are now 10 1/2 games up in the NL West, have a double digit lead in their division for the first time since

Hyun-jin Ryu has exceeded all expectations this season. Photo: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

1977. They are one game behind the Atlanta Braves for the best record in baseball. Boston, who is now tied with Tampa Bay for first after dropping game one, will be eyeing a win in game two in order to hold on to their lead in the A.L. East. While many have been looking forward to this series between these two teams, the Dodgers pitching stifled the Red Sox and they could only muster two hits against the Boys in Blue.

Pitching. The Dodgers pitching staff is one of the best in baseball. The excellent pitching has balanced out the defensive blunders and base running miscues for this team throughout the year.

Clayton Kershaw 1.72 ERA

Paco Rodriguez 1.94 ERA

Kenley Jansen 1.98 ERA

These three pitchers have been virtually unhittable. The entire bullpen has been dominant, and the starting rotation has been magnificent as well. Ricky Nolasco has really shored up the backend of the rotation after Josh Beckett (who was on hand to take in the game last night against his former team) went down with season-ending surgery. Nolasco pitched 8 brilliant shutout innings on Friday night at Dodger Stadium, and the right-hander only allowed 2 hits and walked none while striking out 6 including striking out annoying Shane Victorino twice. Even Chris Capuano, who has had some disastrous starts, has pitched admirably for a fifth starter. The Dodgers offense has been able to overcome his struggles at times, and Cappy actually hasn’t lost a decision since the 4th of July. That says a lot about this team and its fight to stay in games and come back from deficit.

Jon Lester has pitched well for Boston since the All-Star Break.

Hyun-jin Ryu has been the Zen Master this season. The top rookie has really proved any questioners wrong. Ryu leads rookie pitchers in the NL in wins (12), innings pitched (155 2/3), and is fourth in strikeouts (126). Ryu had a winning streak of five consecutive games until he lost his last start against Miami. He allowed 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 and walking 2 over 7 1/3 innings. The 26-year old has never faced Boston. Ryu is 6-1 with a 1.78 ERA at home this season.

The Red Sox will counter with lefty Jon Lester. Lester picked up a win last time out versus the Giants. He pitched 8 1/3 shutout innings and allowed 6 hits with 3 strikeouts and 2 walks. Interestingly, Lester has never faced the Dodgers. In Interleague play, he is 12-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 24 games.

Matt Kemp may play in a few rehab games soon, but the minor league season is quickly coming to an end on September 2nd.

The game will air on FOX at 1:05 p.m. Join us after the game for our recap, and let us know how you will celebrate if the Dodgers should win the National League West. Go Blue!