Inside The Cage: Week In Review - Dodgers

Dodgers Powered by Chemistry

The Dodgers are making their final push for home-field advantage for the post season. The only problem is, the Braves keep winning and making it that much harder for the boys in blue.

The Braves are 11 of their past 17; not great by any stretch, but good enough to keep a solid grip on their bid for home-field advantage through the playoffs. Coming off a losing series against the Cardinals at the end of last month, the Braves started winning-- then alternated between winning and losing, again. But, so far, that's been enough.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers, coming off a historic two and a half months, looked like they were finally cooling off with they dropped the final game at Coors Field and getting swept by the Reds. Since then, the Dodgers have won three out of four against division rivals-- Arizona and San Francisco.

Adrian Gonzalez came up big as always, it seems, in the bottom of the 10th inning with Carl Crawford on second.

Gonzalez lined a softly hit shot up the middle, under the glove of shortstop Brandon Crawford, and (Carl) Crawford went trucking home with a slide, avoiding the swipe of Giants catcher, Buster Posey.

Injuries are still plaguing Los Doyers: Matt Kemp is still out, but is supposedly heading back to the club in the coming weeks. The club remains optimistic Kemp could join them before the end of the month. If anything, it would give them a dangerous option off of the bench.

Mattingly's made it clear only one outfielder has their position locked in, as of now: Yasiel Puig.

Hanely Ramirez is continuing to have issues with his hamstring, as well. Maybe it's something in the water? He was replaced at the start of the 7th inning by Nick "The Little Pony" Punto.

Donny "Baseball" was seen consoling Ramirez, as it seemed to most viewers, including broadcasting legend Vin Scully and fan favorite, Steve Lyons.

Chris Capuano is looking to put his strained groin to the test on Friday, in a bullpen session. I don't care much for him, but apparently he deserves a spot on the club over Stephen Fife.

FEAR THE BEARD! Brian Wilson earned a win last night against his former club, for the first time this season; second win in total.

Wilson signed with the Dodgers after the Giants had non-tendered him last winter, after having Tommy John surgery in April. The operation was Wilson's second in his career.

As for his inning against his former club, "I didn't do anything," Wilson said as he walked passed reporters. It appeared he was in no hurry to answer questions about his win.

On deck for tonight's start: Clayton Kershaw(14-8, 1.92 ERA), as he takes his major league-leading ERA to the mound. The Giants will be countering with Madison Bumgarner(11-9, 2.82).

First pitch is at 7:10 PM PT.

MAGIC NUMBER: 5