Dodgers at Diamondbacks
The Los Angeles Dodgers are just 2-7 in the season series but have an opportunity to salvage a split of their four-game set with the host Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon. Los Angeles lost the first two games of the matchup before recording a 2-1 victory on Wednesday.
Despite the setback, a triumph on Thursday would give Arizona 10 consecutive series wins to begin the season, which would be one shy of the major-league record held by the 1907 Chicago Cubs. Wednesday's victory halted a four-game slide for Los Angeles, which has won just two of its last nine contests. Cody Bellinger recorded two hits and an RBI for his fourth multi-hit performance in eight games. Arizona slugger Paul Goldschmidt is in the midst of a 15-game home run drought but has gone deep three times against scheduled Thursday starter Alex Wood, while teammate A.J. Pollock is 8-for-19 with two homers and three doubles versus Wood.
TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Alex Wood (0-3, 4.11 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (4-0, 2.25)
Wood remained winless on the season when he gave up four runs and six hits in a setback against San Francisco in his last turn. The 27-year-old has been superb with his control, walking just three and striking out 30 in 35 innings. Wood lost to the Diamondbacks on April 4, when he allowed three runs and six hits over six frames, and is 5-4 with a 3.20 ERA in 13 career appearances (nine starts) against Arizona.
Corbin did not factor in the decision against Washington in his last turn after allowing three runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old has been flat-out dominant by holding opponents to a .165 average while striking out 55 against just seven walks in 40 frames. Corbin allowed just one hit and struck out 12 in 7 1/3 innings while beating Los Angeles on April 4 but is just 4-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 17 career appearances (15 starts) against the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers halted their eight-game regular-season losing streak at Chase Field with Wednesday's victory.
2. Pollock was named National League Player of the Month for March/April after batting .291 with nine homers and 24 RBIs.
3. Los Angeles LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin) departed Wednesday's game in the second inning.