Dodgers Return Home To Conclude Regular Season Schedule

Dodgers Lineup vs. Colorado-TBA

Collin McHugh-0-3 vs. Clayton Kershaw-15-9

The Dodgers return home to conclude their regular season schedule with a three game series against Colorado. This series will be highlighted as the final series of longtime Rockie Todd Helton’s career.

The Dodgers ended up splitting their ten game road trip, and come home with a 91-68 record, which places them with the third best record in the National League. The club finishes with a final 45-36 road record, which is the best in the National League. So now we know the Dodgers are likely going to finish third and will have to start on the road in the Division series. More than likely they’ll have to play in St. Louis. The Dodgers still have a shot at grabbing home field for at least the division series if they can get the number two seed, but it’s becoming more and more likely the Dodgers will not have home field. The Cardinals play the Cubs at home over the weekend, while the Braves play versus Philadelphia at home as well. The Dodgers are three games behind Atlanta and St. Louis, who are both currently tied for the best record with a 94-65 record.

Kershaw says Sup Colorado? Sup?-Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

So the Dodgers won’t get home field, big deal right? Sure it would have been nice and all, but I’m not going to get to upset over it. Yes it’s a little annoying, but it’s more important everyone stays healthy. They don’t have to play in the one-game wild card playoff game. Plus a division crown, postseason birth, and 90 win season is nothing to scoff at. If the Dodgers do finish third in the league, then the first home game would be the third game of the series which will be on Sunday October, 6. Don’t forget about the rally on Sunday. Come and support our Boys in Blue as we send them off into the postseason.

So tonight the Rockies come into town currently in last place in the NL West. Their season over long ago, and this will be the final time we see first baseman and all around nice guy Todd Helton. Mr. Rockie will be hanging up his spikes once the season is over, and we wish him a fond farewell.

Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for the Dodgers tonight, in his final tune-up for the postseason. I would expect him to be on some kind of pitch count limit, but we’ll see. This will be Kershaw’s last chance to pad his Cy Young numbers, although at this point I think it’s fair to say he’s got it in the bag.

So this is the kid-Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Kershaw shut out the Rockies at Coors Field back in July, and is 9-5 with a 3.76 ERA in 22 career starts against the Rockies. Kershaw is 2-1 against Colorado in four starts this season. Against the rest of the league Kershaw is 15-9 with an MLB leading 1.88 ERA, and he has 224 whiffs.

Helton is batting .257 against Kershaw in 35 at-bats with a home run. Watch out for Dexter Fowler who is hitting .421 (16 for 38) off of Kershaw in 42 plate appearances.

RBI

OBP

Troy Tulowitzki

.227

.300

Dexter Fowler

.421

.476

Todd Helton

.257

.297

Carlos Gonzalez

.167

.242

DJ LeMahieu

.375

Wilin Rosario

.267

Jonathan Herrera

.167

.231

Jordan Pacheco

.143

Michael Cuddyer

.308

Nolan Arenado

.300

.417

Josh Rutledge

.111

.200

Charlie Blackmon

.500

Yorvit Torrealba

.300

Jhoulys Chacin

.000

Juan Nicasio

.000

Charlie Culberson

.333

Roy Oswalt

.000

Chad Bettis

.000

Jorge De La Rosa

.000

Drew Pomeranz

1.000

Mitchell Boggs

.000

Corey Dickerson

.000

Jeff Francis

.000

Total

304

279

.258

.302

Opposing Kershaw on the mound will be right handed rookie Collin McHugh. I’ve hardly heard of this kid. As a matter of fact, I don’t even know how to pronounce his name. McHugh? Mac Hugh? According to the books here, McHugh is 26 years old and from Covington Georgia. He was drafted by the Mets in 2008, and came up through their system, making his MLB debut with the Mets in 2012. Actually according to the records, McHugh pitched seven scoreless innings against these very same Rockies in his debut start last year. He only gave up two hits in that game and whiffed nine, which is quite impressive. He was demoted later in the year, and then was traded to Colorado for Eric Young Jr. I wonder if that game possibly impressed Colorado enough to make a move. Poor kid doesn’t stand a chance.

McHugh has pitched in just three games with Colorado this season, and is 0-2 with the Rockies, and 0-3 against the league this season.

Everyone should be available to play tonight, except for Andre Ethier. But I wouldn’t expect the regulars to get too much playing time this weekend. So tune in over here after the game to check out our game recap. Lucas will provide the particulars. Stacie and I will be attending the sixth annual blogger night at Dodger Stadium tonight. There are expected to be several speakers including Stan Kasten, so that should be a lot of fun. I’ll be sure to be on my best behavior tonight. It goes without saying we’ll give you guys the entire lowdown in a later post. Enjoy a beautiful Friday night everyone, and Go Blue!

Game Time-7:15 PM

TV-Prime Ticket

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