On paper a pitching matchup of Clayton Kershaw versus Jose Fernandez justifies this low total.

But the reality of these two meeting here is much different.

Kershaw hasn't pitched since June 26 due to a back injury. He's sure to be on a pitch count. He also could be very rusty and pitching tentatively given his back woes.

"We're still working the kinks out," Kershaw was quoted as saying about this start.

Kershaw gave up a season-high five runs when he faced the Marlins back in April. The Marlins have their power back with Marcell Ozuna and Justin Bour returning to the lineup and Giancarlo Stanton able to pinch-hit and possibly play in the field.

Fernandez is approaching his career-high in innings pitched possibly exceeding it in his next start. The work load is getting to Fernandez, who is 1-4 with a 4.54 ERA during his last seven starts. During this span he's surrendered 48 hits in 39 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers have been swinging hot bats averaging six runs per game during their last seven games.