The set-up: The Dodgers have survived a rash of injuries and coupled with the Giants' second-half collapse, are currently 79-60, which gives them a five-game lead in the NL West. Things are not going as well for the Marlins, who after losing 10 of their last 12 games, are two games under .500 (69-71), leaving them five games back of the second NL wild card spot. LA visits Miami tonight for a three-game weekend series and Game 1 features a marquee matchup of All Star pitchers.

The pitching matchup: Clayton Kershaw (11-2, 1.79 ERA) takes the mound for the Dodgers and he'll be opposed by the Marlins' Jose Fernandez (13-8, 3.03 ERA). Tonight marks Kershaw's first start since June 26, as he went on the disabled list shortly after that due to a back injury. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, was dominant this year before his injury, posting an 11-2 record with a 1.79 ERA (Dodgers are 14-2 in his starts). The $64,000 question will be, is he still the same Kershaw? Kershaw is 125-58 with a 2.39 ERA over his entire career but a modest 5-4 (2.40) over nine career starts vs. the Marlins (Dodgers are 5-4). Fernandez is 35-17 with a 2.62 ERA in his short career and truly shines at Marlins Park, where he is almost unbeatable at 27-2. His home/away splits have become even more pronounced this year, as he's 3-6 with a 4.46 ERA on the road (team is 5-7) and 10-2 with a 1.91 ERA at home (team is 10-4).

The pick: Kershaw is expected to be on a pitch count in his first start since allowing four runs on nine hits in six innings of a 4-3 setback at Pittsburgh on June 26. As noted, Fernandez is a remarkable 27-2 at home in his career, with the Marlins going 33-7 in those 40 home starts. Taking 1 1/2 runs with the Marlins is a 10* play.