MLB Game Preview - Pittsburgh at LA Dodgers
Sat Apr 27, 2019 9:10 PM EDT

BAL
2
MIN
9
F
CIN
3
STL
6
F
OAK
1
TOR
7
F
SD
8
WSH
3
F(10)
TB
2
BOS
1
F
NYY
6
SF
4
F
CLE
3
HOU
4
F(10)
MIA
9
PHI
12
F
MIL
8
NYM
6
F
LAA
4
KC
9
F
COL
9
ATL
5
F
CHC
9
ARI
1
F
TEX
15
SEA
1
F
PIT
1
LAD
3
F
DET
CHW
PPD
Shorthanded Pirates face big test against Dodgers' Kershaw
Sat Apr 27, 2019 3:51 AM

Clayton Kershaw's third test of the 2019 season will come against a Pittsburgh Pirates offense that is next to last in baseball in runs scored and just got younger with additions like Cole Tucker and Bryan Reynolds.

The Dodgers still won't take anything for granted with their ace, especially after he yielded four walks in his most recent outing Sunday at Milwaukee.

The fact that the left-hander still fashioned a second quality start, after a delayed opening to the season because of shoulder inflammation, was a promising sign for manager Dave Roberts. Kershaw gave up a two-run home run to Lorenzo Cain, but not much else.

"It's very good when you don't have your best stuff, or consistent command of really anything, and that was the case for Clayton in Milwaukee," Roberts said. "But for Clayton to grind out six innings and keep that lineup at bay, speaks to his (ability to) compete and executing when he needs to."

Kershaw (0-0, 2.77 ERA) last faced the Pirates July 3 of last season, giving up two runs on four hits over six innings in a victory. He is 3-3 lifetime against Pittsburgh with a 3.16 ERA over 12 starts. Kershaw's 71 career strikeouts against the Pirates are his lowest among all NL teams.

But even if the Pirates can't get their offense going, they still have a fighting chance with right-hander Joe Musgrove (1-1, 1.59) on the mound.

In his fourth major league season, Musgrove is off to an impressive start one year after he was the centerpiece of the Pirates' return package in the trade that sent Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros.

Musgrove gave up three runs over six innings Monday as the Pirates lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, but two of his runners scored after he departed the game in what ended up being a colossal meltdown by the bullpen.

Musgrove has 26 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings and opponents are hitting just .180 against him.

But there is an element from the past that figures to also spur on Musgrove on Saturday. He pitched four games in relief in the 2017 World Series against the Dodgers, which his Astros won in seven games. Two of his four one-inning outings came at Dodger Stadium.

His only regular-season appearance against the Dodgers came in a start last year when he pitched five innings in a loss on June 5, giving up home runs to Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig.

Musgrove knows he will have to deliver Saturday. Not only does he get to pitch opposite Kershaw, the short-handed Pirates will be without run-producing threats like Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte and Eric Gonzalez.

"It's been definitely all hands-on deck," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I'm proud of the men, the way the guys continue to step up. The next man up."

While the Pirates offense has yet to find its way, the Dodgers will enter Saturday's game with a freshly minted major league record for home runs.

On Friday, the Dodgers became the first team in baseball to hit a home run in 33 consecutive home games, a run that goes back to last season. Their 14 consecutive home games with a home run to start the season tied the record held by this year's Milwaukee Brewers and the 1962 New York Mets.

--Field Level Media

Team Record Comparison

Team Standings GB W-L Aw/Hm Stk L10
Pittsburgh            
LA Dodgers            

Scheduled Starting Pitchers

Joe Musgrove - SD
Matchup
Season
vs. Opp Has not pitched vs. LA Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw - LAD
Matchup
Season
vs. Opp Has not pitched vs. Pittsburgh

Hot Batters (Last 10 team games)

Injury Report

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