Philadelphia @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 18, 2012 ) Philadelphia 3, LA Dodgers 5

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to extend their season-high winning streak to six games on Thursday when they host the Philadelphia Phillies, who have won three of their last five. Rookie outfielder Yasiel Puig is batting .435 over his first 22 games to lead the Dodgers back within striking distance in the National League West race. After the four-game series against Philadelphia, the Dodgers head out for a nine-game road trip against division foes Colorado, San Francisco and Arizona.

The Phillies’ much-maligned bullpen turned in seven scoreless innings in Wednesday’s 13-inning, 7-5 win over San Diego, with closer Jonathan Papelbon earning the save after blowing three straight opportunities. Right-hander Mike Adams is likely out for the season with three tears in his right shoulder, leaving the Phillies without a clear setup man. Left-hander Antonio Bastardo has made a bid for the role with five straight scoreless appearances.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet (Philadelphia), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jonathan Pettibone (3-3, 4.14 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Zack Greinke (4-2, 3.79)

Pettibone allowed one run over six innings last Saturday against the New York Mets before leaving with a back injury, but he’s been cleared to start the series opener. The 22-year-old rookie is winless over his last seven outings after going 3-0 in his first five career starts. Pettibone, who is making his first career start against the Dodgers, is 1-2 with a 6.84 ERA in five starts away from home.

Greinke struck out a season-high eight batters and allowed one run over eight innings last Saturday against the Padres. The right-hander has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his last four starts, and he’s 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA in five starts at Dodger Stadium. He’s 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in three career games (two starts) against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez is batting 16-for-33 (.485) during his nine-game hitting streak.

2. After a strong start this month, Phillies 1B Ryan Howard has one hit and seven strikeouts in his last 13 at-bats.

3. Los Angeles is 0-26 when trailing after six innings.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Phillies 3