Giants Vs. Dodgers, Series Preview: Rivalry Renewed At Dodger Stadium

Ever since the days of Ebbets Field an the Polo Grounds the Giants and Dodgers have simply not liked each other. Now a hundred years and almost 3000 miles later the same rings true as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants renew their rivalry at Dodger Stadium this week in a three-game series.

The Bryan Stow incident put some new perspective towards the rivalry last season, though it certainly didn't slow it down. The boys in blue are off to a very hot start with their new ownership looking on, sitting pretty atop the NL West for now. The G-Men aren'r far behind, and are hungry to take a significant bite out of their lead this series.

San Francisco took two out of three against the Milwaukee Brewers in their last set including a thrilling extra-innings victory on Sunday, finishing out their nine-game homestand 4-5. They were reeling after a home sweep form the Marlins, but back-to-back wins were just what they needed ending down to Chavez Ravine.

As for the Dodgers, they've been on the road in Chicago taking on the Cubs, and may be a bit groggy after a marathon at Wrigley Sunday afternoon that included a three hour rain delay and an 11th inning loss. Not only that but they lost Jerry Hairston Jr. during the game due to a hamstring tightness, while Matt Kemp was scratched on Sunday due to hamstring tightness as well. They finished their six-game roadie 2-4.

Ted Lilly (3-0, 1.38) takes on Barry Zito (1-0, 1.76) on Monday, both looking to keep their hot starts to the year going. Lilly has been sensational to start 2012, giving up two runs on four hits in six innings at Coors Field in his last start, but is 0-3 with a 6.86 ERA in his last four starts against the Giants. Zito showed serious signs of his old self with a 3.2 inning outing in his last start that included seven walks. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

The matchup everyone was hoping for will be just one day off as Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 2.63) takes on Ryan Vogelsong (0-2, 3.42) on Tuesday. Kershaw was roughed up a bit in Colorado his last time out, allowing five runs on seven hits in seven innings of work, but shutout the Giants last season going 5-0 against them with a 1.07 ERA. Vogelsong pitched seven innings of two run ball in his last outing but took the loss, still searching for his first win in his fifth start of the season. CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM will have coverage once again with another 7:10 starting time.

Chad Billingsley (2-2, 3.19) faces off against Tim Lincecum (2-2, 5.68) in the finale on Wednesday. Billingsley took the loss in his last sart after four runs in six innings against the Cubs, while Lincecum threw only five innings in his previous outing, giving up three runs on two hits for a no decision. First pitch is once again at 7:10 with coverage on NBC Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

As it stands, The Giants currently own the advantage in the overall record of 1096-1079 along with 17 ties against the Dodgers, though L.A. won their last meeting to own the current win streak.

For more on the Giants, please check out McCovey Chronicles. For the Dodgers side of things, head over to True Blue LA.