The Dodgers haven't lost two consecutive games since June 20 and June 21 against the San Diego Padres. Don Mattingly's club will attempt to prolong the streak on Monday, as the series between the boys and blue and the fish begins.
The offensive production from Yasiel Puig, Hanley Ramirez and company hasn't produced more than five runs in the past six games. The lack of runs could continue against Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. The rookie Cuban star may be the sole spotlight for the 47-75 team.
Fernandez sports a 8-5 record, 2.49 ERA and 149 strike outs. The 6'4 240 pound right-hander features one of the best fastballs in baseball, capable of touching 99 MPH. Fernandez defeated the Dodgers on May 10th, tossing six innings, allowing three runs and fanning seven.
Since the beginning of June, Fernandez has yet to surrender over three earned runs. In addition, the 21-year-old is nearly untouchable at home, boasting a 5-0 record and 1.39 ERA.
According to ESPN.com, Kansas City Royals first baseman described Fernandez by saying: "The kid's good, he's got three well-above average pitches, he commands them all, throws 'em all for strikes, knows what he's doing and has a good game plan up there. He's a good pitcher, he's going to be sticking around for a long time."
Opposing Fernandez on the mound will be fellow NL rookie of the year candidate Hyun-Jin Ryu. The South Korean southpaw ranks amongst the Dodgers biggest surprises, accumulating a 12-3 record, 2.91 ERA and 121 strikeouts. However, Ryu's numbers on the road are signifcantly worse, with a 6-2 record and 4.09 ERA.
Ryu dominated the Marlins on May 11, collecting the victory by throwing 6 2/3 frames and one run. In spite of the pro-longed MLB season compared to Korea, Ryu continues to progress. Over Ryu's last seven starts, he strung together six wins and one no decision.
Game info
Time: 4:10 p.m.
TV: KCAL