The set-up: Clayton Kershaw returned just in time for the Dodgers, as MLB's best pitcher allowed just two hits over six scoreless innings to lead LA to a 1-0 win in his first appearance since July 23 (due to a back injury). Kershaw upped his record to 16-2 and lowered his ERA to 1.95, while the Dodgers are now 20-2 and plus-$1560 in his 2017 starts. LA pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts in halting the team's five-game losing streak. The Padres lost for the fifth time in seven games and enter Saturday's doubleheader with LA at 59-75 on the season, 33 1/2 games back in the NL West.

The pitching matchup; Brock Stewart (0-0 & 3.38 ERA) will take the mound for LA in Game 1 of the doubleheader, opposed by San Diego's Clayton Richard (6-13 & 4.96 ERA). Stewart will be making his fourth start of the season (ninth of his career). He didn't fare well in his last outing and was fortunate to walk away with a no-decision as Pittsburgh reached him for five runs on four hits in just two-plus innings (LA won 8-5). Stewart worked two hit-less innings of relief against the Padres on July 1 and has given up one hit in three career innings versus San Diego (no starts). Richard lost to Miami in his last outing, as he allowed five runs on eight hits over seven innings. Richard owns just one win over his last 13 starts (he's 1-6 and San Diego is 4-9). The 33-year-old lefty is 7-6 with a 4.15 ERA in 23 career appearances (21 starts / teams are 13-8) against the Dodgers.

The pick: LA was able to win last night despite scoring just one run. The Dodgers will surely need more runs to win here but with Richard owning a 5.79 ERA in four outings vs. LA in 2017, why shouldn't they score? The Dodgers have not had much trouble against the Padres in 2017, as they are 10-3 against San Diego this season, including a 5-1 record at Petco Park. Make LA an 8* play.