The Dodgers (79-41) begin a 6-game road trip tonight, starting with a 3-game series against the worst team in the National League, the Miami Marlins (44-73). This a great opportunity for the Dodgers to improve their road record, as they are only 31-25 on the road this season. The Marlins are 2-8 in their last 10, and so far they haven’t given anybody a reason to believe they should put up much of a fight in this series. Former Dodger manager Don Mattingly is looking for a better outcome compared to when these teams met at Dodger Stadium last month, where his Marlins got swept in a 3-game series.

Right now the Marlins pitching staff ranks 16th with a 4.47 team ERA, while the bullpen is 22nd at 4.70. Not too shabby.

Tuesday Aug. 13 4:10 PST

Dustin May (0-1) 3.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 2 starts, 10 K’s      vs

Jordan Yamamoto (4-3) 4.17 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 10 starts, 55 K’s

Summary: In two August starts, Yamamoto has given up eight runs in 12 innings. He faced the Dodgers last time and was tagged for 5 earned runs over 4 innings with Muncy and Pederson taking him deep. Dustin May is searching for his first career win after throwing 5 scoreless innings against the Cardinals until Ozuna took him deep in the 6th.

Wednesday Aug. 14 4:10 PST

Clayton Kershaw (11-2), 1.04 WHIP, 20 starts, 131 K’s         vs

Elieser Hernandez (2-4), 1.27 WHIP, 14 games/8 starts, 48 K’s

Summary: Kershaw kept the Marlins in check last time out by throwing 6 shutout innings and leaving the game up 6-0. Unfortunately the bullpen gave up 6 runs over the next 2 innings, but Matt Beaty responded with a 3-run home run off the Marlins. The pitcher who gave up that home run is none other than the projected starter for this upcoming game, Hernandez who has been burned by the long-ball all season by surrendering 11 over 47 innings.

Thursday Aug. 15 12:05 PST

Walker Buehler (10-2) 3.08 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 22 starts, 160 K’s vs

Caleb Smith (7-6) 3.71 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 19 starts, 127 K’s.

Summary: Buehler has allowed 1 earned run over 15 innings in his last 2 starts. He struck out 11 Marlins in a dominant 7 inning performance. Caleb Smith has a 4.15 ERA in the 2nd half so far.

Final thoughts and prediction:

The Marlins offense has not been impressive. They have only hit 99 home runs, which is last in baseball. They are also 29th in runs scored, and hit for .241 as a team, which is in the bottom 5. Brian Anderson is a solid right-handed bat for them with 20 HR and 60 RBIs. Starlin Castro provides some veteran leadership. Miguel Rojas is on the IL and Lewis Brinson has been an automatic strikeout. The Dodgers starting staff will shine by sweeping the Marlins in what should be an easy series before taking on the Braves. Dustin May will pick up his first major league win, and maybe we see one of these starters flirt with a no-hitter.

photo credit: Los Angeles Daily News