Los Angeles @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 21, 2013 ) LA Dodgers 4, Miami 1

The Los Angeles Dodgers turn to ace Clayton Kershaw in an attempt to pick up their sixth straight series win when they finish a four-game set at Miami on Thursday. The Dodgers have won two of the first three games against the Marlins after posting a 4-1 triumph behind Zack Greinke on Wednesday. They have assured themselves of at least a series split, which makes this the 18th straight unbeaten series for Los Angeles.

The Dodgers have won 21 of their last 24 on the road and 44 of their last 54 overall to build an 8 1/2-game lead over Arizona in the National League West. Los Angeles was 9 1/2 games behind the Diamondbacks as late as June 22. Miami has dropped 12 of its last 17.

TV: 12:40 p.m. ET, KCAL (Los Angeles), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (12-7, 1.80 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Henderson Alvarez (2-2, 3.41)

Kershaw continued a dominant campaign by allowing just three hits in eight scoreless innings of a win at Philadelphia on Saturday. He leads the majors in ERA (1.80), innings (190 1/3), opponents' batting average (.182) and WHIP (0.85). Kershaw is 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA in his last three starts against the Marlins.

Alvarez has lasted at least six innings in each of his last eight starts. He gave up four runs on four hits and four walks in seven innings in a loss to San Francisco on Saturday. The 23-year-old, who has never faced Los Angeles, has surrendered one home run in 58 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 47 of the team's last 58 games.

2. Kershaw has held hitters to a .163 average in six career starts against the Marlins.

3. Los Angeles returns home Friday to host Boston. Miami welcomes Colorado to Marlins Park.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Marlins 2