August 20 National League probable pitching matchup capsules

It’s a potentially crucial series in Los Angeles starting Monday night when the Dodgers host the rival Giants, with L.A. holding a half game lead in the NL West. And the Dodgers have ace Clayton Kershaw on the mound tonight and he’s been excellent in his career vs. San Francisco. Bet on Giants-Dodgers and every game at WagerWeb.com.

Atlanta at Washington – Braves RHP Tim Hudson (12-4, 3.59) vs. Nationals RHP Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 2.38): Hudson bounced back from one of his worst starts of the season by throwing 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Padres last Tuesday. Since Hudson lost to the Nats on July 1, the Braves have won all eight of his starts, With Hudson posting a 3.12 ERA. … Zimmermann took the loss Tuesday against the Giants, allowing two earned runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. He currently leads the Major Leagues with a 2.38 ERA.

Cincinnati at Philadelphia – Reds RHP Mike Leake (5-7, 4.29) vs. Phillies RHP Roy Halladay (6-7, 3.80): Leake is coming off of his best outing of the season vs. the Mets, as he went the distance for the second time in his career, and 2012. He threw first-pitch strikes to 21 of 30 batters, and retired 17 of the final 19. … Halladay is 2-2 with a 2.25 ERA in his last four starts, showing much improvement from earlier this season when he was injured. He allowed six hits, three runs, one walk, one home run and struck out seven in seven frames Wednesday in a loss to Miami.

Colorado at NY Mets – Rockies RHP Alex White (2-6, 5.74) vs. Mets RHP R.A. Dickey (15-4, 2.89): White was effective against the Marlins, but lack of command and confidence with a strong sinker had the rookie running himself out of the game with 74 pitches in four innings. He gave up two runs on three hits and three walks (one intentional). … Though the Mets have moved to a six-man rotation, Dickey will continue to start every fifth game as the others slot around him. That puts him in line to pitch Monday against the Rockies, after giving up a season-high three home runs to the Reds.

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee – Cubs RHP Justin Germano (2-2, 3.19) vs. Brewers RHP Mark Rogers (0-1, 4.94): Germano posted his first quality start of the season on Wednesday, giving up two runs over 6 1/3 innings vs. the Astros. Opposing teams keep calling him a “crafty right-hander.” Germano won’t overpower hitters, but he does keep them off-balance. … Searching for the first win of his career, Rogers is coming off a five-run, seven-hit performance against the Rockies. Still, for the third time in four starts, he was in line for the win before the bullpen blew a save.

Miami at Arizona – Marlins LHP Mark Buehrle (10-11, 3.74) vs. Diamondbacks LHP Joe Saunders (6-9, 3.70): Thanks to a seven-inning, two-run effort his last time out, Buehrle earned his first win in six starts and snapped a three-decision skid. The win gave him 10 in a season for the 12th straight year, tying CC Sabathia for the longest active streak. … Saunders’ left-hand was hit by a comebacker in his last start, but he should be ready to go on Monday. The left-hander gave up five runs over six innings in that start, the most runs he’s given up since May.

Pittsburgh at San Diego – Pirates TBA vs. Padres RHP Edinson Volquez (7-9, 4.31): Pittsburgh was set to start Wandy Rodriguez in this game but he ended up throwing two innings of relief to help secure a victory in Sunday’s 19-inning marathon vs. St. Louis. … Volquez has struggled in his last three starts, allowing 16 runs in 8 2/3 innings. He thinks he’s getting closer to being mechanically sound, though he allowed six runs in 3 2/3 innings in his last start. One saving grace? He has a 3.24 ERA at home.

San Francisco at LA Dodgers – Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner (13-7, 2.97) vs. Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw (11-6, 2.90): Bumgarner dominated the Nationals in his last outing, holding them to one run on five hits in his second career complete game. He lowered his NL-best home ERA to 1.87, but he still holds a 4.06 ERA away from AT&T Park this season. … Kershaw is on a four-start win streak after beating the Pirates, even though he did let a lead slip away and has allowed home runs in his last two starts. He shut out the Giants the last time he faced them and is 7-3 with a 1.32 ERA lifetime vs. SF.

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