Robbie Ray (2-3, 4.18 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (21-28) meet Christian Friedrich (0-1, 2.89 ERA) and the San Diego Padres (19-29) in the first of a three-game division series at Chase Field. The game starts at 9:40 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 27 and will air on FSAZ and FSSD.
In his last start, Ray pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two, striking out five and walking four in a 6-2 loss to the Cardinals. Brandon Drury (.302, 16 Rs, 7 HRs, 15 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 5. The Padres were victorious the last time Friedrich pitched. He tossed 3.1 innings, allowing two runs, striking out two and walking three in a 7-6 victory over the Dodgers. Melvin Upton Jr. (.253, 18 Rs, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs, 9 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the NL West, the Diamondbacks have a SU record of 9-18. Arizona has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Diamondbacks are an exceptional hitting team with a .270 team batting average, one of the highest marks in the MLB. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fourth in all of baseball with 32 steals. Arizona’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
Against teams in their division, the Padres are 10-13 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the San Diego batters, who rank fourth in the NL with 9.3 strikeouts per game. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the San Diego pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Diamondbacks are 2-1 against the Padres this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI
Notes
In their last game, the Padres lost by a margin of one run. The Diamondbacks are 3-6 in one-run games. The Padres have a 7-12 record in close games.
The Diamondbacks managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Padres who are coming in with a 9-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 2-19. The Padres have a 6-21 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 25th in home runs, San Diego has hit 41 this season. Arizona ranks 10th with 55 home runs.
Ranking 29th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.46 per game. Arizona ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.53.
Ranking 29th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.631). Arizona ranks in the top five with an OPS of .777.
The Padres are 9-17 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Diamondbacks are 7-24 when they allow at least one homer.
