Los Angeles @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 11, 2010 ) LA Dodgers 0, Philadelphia 2

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies alternated between slugfest and pitcher's duel in the first two games of the series.

Fans should expect something in between for Thursday's series finale – and that would suit the Phillies just fine.

The Dodgers and Phillies wrap up their three-game set at Citizens Bank Park. It has been a combination of two series in one so far, with the Dodgers outgunning the Phillies 15-9 in the curtain-raiser before falling meekly 2-0 one night later.

Considering that Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.65 ERA) will take the hill for the Phillies, chances are the scoreboard operator may be busy again.

The 29-year-old Tennessee native has allowed at least three runs in all but two of his 18 starts this season. One of those quality outings came in his last start, as he surrendered just two runs and seven hits in seven innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets on Friday.

The burly right-hander owns a 1-0 mark with a 2.88 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers.

The Phillies hope he can continue his success against Los Angeles, while they look to maintain their dominance against Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw (10-7). The 22-year-old left-hander has struggled mightily against Philadelphia, owning an 0-4 career mark with a 7.83 ERA in seven career games – including outings in both the 2008 and 2009 National League Championship Series.

Kershaw is also trying to snap a modest two-game losing skid. He was tagged for six runs and seven hits in six innings in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Washington Nationals.

The hurler will need to keep a keen eye on Raul Ibanez, who extended his hitting streak to a career-best 18 consecutive games with an RBI double on Wednesday. Ibanez is batting .409 with four homers and 17 RBIs during the stretch.

While Wednesday's victory allowed Philadelphia to remain 2 1/2 games back of the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves, the Phillies did lose Ross Gload in the process.

The backup first baseman, who is playing in place of injured All-Star slugger Ryan Howard (ankle), suffered a right groin strain while legging out a double in the sixth inning. Gload will be re-evaluated on Thursday, with veteran Mike Sweeney likely to start in his place.

Outfielder Shane Victorino, who has been sidelined since July 27 with left abdominal strain, may be ready to return Thursday. The speedy Hawaiian belted a home run and a triple in his outing at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

The Phillies received more good news on the injury front. Second baseman Chase Utley received positive medical reports Wednesday and was allowed to take batting practice. Sidelined with a broken thumb, the four-time All-Star is eyeing a return to the club toward the end of the month.