Allen Webster (1-1, 6.46 ERA) and Mike Bolsinger (4-2, 2.95 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (36-39) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (43-34) at Chase Field. Action begins at 9:40 p.m. ET on Monday, Jun. 29 and can be seen on SportsNet LA and FSN-AZ.
Webster pitched 4.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs (two unearned), striking out three and walking two in an 8-7 defeat to the Rockies. Paul Goldschmidt (.349, 54 Rs, 20 HRs, 62 RBIs, 13 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Against the Diamondbacks, Bolsinger is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and eight strikeouts. Justin Turner (.320, 30 Rs, 11 HRs, 36 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Dodgers, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Los Angeles takes on Arizona as a -129 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at nine runs. The Diamondbacks have an overall money line of -91 and a record as the underdog of 23-26. Within its division, Arizona has a 6-6 as the underdog and a 19-20 SU. Arizona is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 66 bases.
In games where it is the favorite, Los Angeles has a 37-31 record and an overall money line of -697. They have been playing solid baseball as favorite with a 26-18 record against NL West rivals, and a 27-19 record SU. Offensively, they average 4.2 runs per game, which is good for fifth in the NL. The Dodgers have a dynamic offense, ranking fourth in the league with 240 extra base hits. Los Angeles is excellent at drawing walks with an NL-best 3.5 per game. The Dodgers allow 3.4 runs per game, but does worse whenever another team from the NL West Division is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average up to 3.7 against division foes. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.17 for the season. The Dodgers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.7 strikeouts per game.
The Dodgers have controlled the season series, 7-2. The Diamondbacks have a 27-29 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Bolsinger takes the mound. Webster (RHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have a 39-26 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
Los Angeles won its last game in a shutout, its 11th of the season. Arizona has been shut out four times this season.
The Diamondbacks are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Dodgers have a 10-16 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 9-26. The Dodgers have a 9-23 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 15th in home runs, Arizona has hit 68 this season. Los Angeles ranks fourth with 97 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.37 per game. Arizona ranks in the top five at third with 9.09.
Ranking 16th, Arizona is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.713). Los Angeles ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .761.
The Dodgers are 16-23 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Diamondbacks are 17-33 when they allow at least one homer.
