Maikel Franco’s walk-off home run in the ninth inning of Sunday’s win against the Nationals was a much needed confidence booster after a miserable weekend back from the All-Star Break. The Philadelphia Phillies (48-45) will need all the confidence they get can combined with timely hitting and good bullpen performances starting Monday as they welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers (62-33) to Citizens Bank Park.
The Dodgers will send three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw to the mound. While he is not the same lights-out pitcher the Phillies have had the privilege of facing over the years, Kershaw has managed to put together a very solid season so far.