Robbie Ray (2-4, 4.74 ERA) and Chris Archer (3-7, 4.75 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (25-34) and the Tampa Bay Rays (25-30) at Chase Field. Action begins at 9:40 p.m. ET on Monday, Jun. 6 and can be seen on FSAZ and SUN.
Ray pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 5-4 defeat to the Astros. Paul Goldschmidt (.261, 29 Rs, 10 HRs, 34 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one RBI. Archer went 6.0 innings, surrendering five runs (one unearned), striking out four and walking two in a 6-3 defeat to the Royals in his last outing. Steve Pearce (.316, 20 Rs, 8 HRs, 20 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Rays, going 3 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Arizona and Tampa Bay are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Against the AL, the Diamondbacks have a 23-26 record SU. The Diamondbacks have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. The Diamondbacks are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 191. Arizona’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
Tampa Bay is 22-30 SU against interleague opponents. Offensively, they average five runs per game on the road, which is fifth in the AL. The Rays have a dynamic offense, ranking fifth in the league with 189 extra base hits. Tampa Bay is excellent at making contact with just 9.4 strikeouts per game, ranking third in the AL. The Rays allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
The Diamondbacks are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rays have a 9-14 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 2-25. The Rays have a 4-22 record when opponents outhit them.
Tampa Bay tops the league in home runs this season with 83. Arizona ranks in the top half with 64.
Ranking 21st, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 8.15 per game. Arizona ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 9.17.
Ranking 11th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.747). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .756.
When the Rays allow at least one home run, they are 11-27, well-matched with the Diamondbacks who are 10-28 when allowing at least one homer.
