Starters, bullpen have been simply lights out lately

The Dodgers starting pitchers continue to throw zeroes on the scoreboard at an alarming rate.

With Ricky Nolasco’s eight-inning gem on Friday night, the Dodgers starters’ have gone 18-2 with a 1.77 ERA in 27 games since July 26 (entering Saturday’s game), including 11 starts in which starters did not yield an earned run.

“When you have (Clayton) Kershaw, (Zack) Greinke and Hyun-Jin (Ryu) and then you have Ricky throw like he did last night, it gives us a chance to win every game,” Dodger manager Don Mattingly said. “That makes a huge advantage. These guys believe they’re good, they’re confident and they’re playing together. Maybe these guys believe they’re going to win every day.”

It is certainly giving the once-maligned bullpen a boost. The Dodgers bullpen has posted a 1.76 ERA since the All-Star Break (entering Saturday), which ranks second behind the Atlanta Braves. Opponents are batting just .180 against Dodgers relievers, and the group has posted a miniscule 0.96 WHIP (runs plus hits divided by innings pitched).

Marmol said the relievers do their best to stay sharp, even if they don’t see action for several games. Marmol for example has not been used since Monday, a span of four games.

“We’ve got to be ready for our opportunities, but there haven’t been many right now, and that’s been great,” Marmol said. “The starters have been great, the bullpen has been great and we’re ready for every game.”