The Los Angeles Dodgers are back home to face the Texas Rangers in their second straight series against a last-place team. The Dodgers swept the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a 6-3 win yesterday after the game was called in the eighth inning due to rain. The win marked the 13th straight win for the Dodgers against the Pirates.

The weekend series against the Rangers begins a six-game homestand for the Dodgers. Tonight will be the return of Friday Night Fireworks and on June 15th, the Dodgers are expected to have a full capacity crowd.

In the National League West pennant race, they have now climbed back to second place currently with a record of 37-25 one and a half games behind the Giants, and one game ahead of the Padres. The Giants are set to play four games against the Nationals this weekend, while the Padres visit the Mets.

The Texas Rangers have one of the worst records in the league at 24-39 and are in the last place of their division. The Rangers manager is Chris Woodward, who many of you remember was previously with the Dodgers as a third-base coach.

For the Dodgers, the next three series are all against teams with a record of under .500 which the Dodgers should look to take advantage of as much as they can. Although the Phillies are only a game under .500 which can change in the next few days.

Pitching matchups for the series are Clayton Kershaw vs Mike Foltynewicz, Trevor Bauer vs Kolby Allard, Walker Buehler vs Dane Dunning.

Kershaw will start the opening game, his last start coming last weekend against the Braves, he went six innings and allowed five runs. Kershaw has started 13 games this season and he’s 7-5 with a 3.66 ERA. Foltynewicz who will oppose him is 1-6 this season and has posted a 4.75 ERA.

Although the Rangers record isn’t pretty, they still have some dangerous hitters. Adolis Garcia who’s hit 16 home runs this season and has posted a .276 batting average. Garcia is making a very strong case for the All-Star Game. As well as Isiah Kiner-Falefa who is leading the Rangers in batting average at .291.

Looking at this series, fans will obviously expect a sweep, as the Rangers are currently riding a 15 road game losing streak, which is only second to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who the Dodgers play next weekend.

However, the Rangers are coming off a home win against the Giants, so they look to continue that success. The Dodgers hope to build upon their three-game winning streak.

The first pitch for Friday’s opener is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Pacific.