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Fukudome, Kuroda set to meet for first time in majors

May 27, 2008 - 12:12 PM LA Dodgers (26-24) at Chicago Cubs (30-21) 7:05 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - For most players, it doesn't get much more American than Wrigley Field. However, for Kosuke Fukudome and Hiroki Kuroda on Tuesday, it will seem a lot like old times in Japan.

Fukudome faces a pitcher from his native land for the first time in his major league career when the Cubs continue their three-game set against Kuroda and the Dodgers.

Signed to a four-year, $42 million contract to fortify Chicago's offense, Fukudome batted .305 for his career in Japan and has helped the Cubs - the majors' best offense - ascend to the top of the National League Central.

On the other hand, Kuroda (2-3, 3.48 ERA) was one of Japan's best pitchers, going 103-89 with a 3.69 ERA in 271 career games, including 159 starts.

He has allowed three runs or fewer in nine of his 10 starts, including Wednesday's 5-2 win over Cincinnati in which he allowed two runs and five hits over a season-high eight frames.

A teammate of Kuroda on the 2004 Summer Olympic team that won the bronze medal, Fukudome has fared very well against his countryman, hitting .330 with four homers.

Kuroda will be opposed by rookie Sean Gallagher (1-1, 5.68), who has been unable to last even five innings in two of his three starts this season. The righthander surrendered five runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in Wednesday's 5-3 loss at Houston.

He'll face a Dodgers offense that is struggling, having scored six total runs in dropping three of their last four games.