In the first of a three-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (32-34) and the San Diego Padres (32-34) at Chase Field, Rubby De La Rosa (5-3, 5.27 ERA) and James Shields (7-0, 3.59 ERA) get the ball. The game starts at 9:40 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 19 and will air on FSN-SD and FSN-AZ.
In his most recent outing, De La Rosa pitched 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out six and walking two in a 4-0 victory over the Giants. In his pitching opportunities against the Diamondbacks, Shields is 2-1 with a 6.50 ERA. He meets a solid Arizona offense that’s batting .263. Wil Myers (.277, 30 Rs, 5 HRs, 19 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Arizona is a slight underdog (+105) and the Over/Under (O/U) is eight runs. The Diamondbacks are 21-24 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +257. They have a 16-15 record SU and are 11-12 as the underdog within their division. Arizona has averaged 3.3 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 4.5. The Diamondbacks have the most prolific offense in the entire NL, averaging 4.5 runs per game. The Diamondbacks are a superb hitting team with an NL-best 9.3 hits per game. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking second in all of baseball with 59 steals. Whenever an NL West opponent shows up on the calendar, the Diamondbacks pitch better. They allow an average of 4.4 runs per game, but allow just 3.8 against teams from their own division.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Padres come into this game with a win percentage of .576 when playing as the favorite (19-14) and an overall money line of -431. They have played poorly when rated as favorite as of late. They managed a 1-5 record when playing as the favorite and an SU record of 3-7. The Padres rank fourth in the NL in road scoring, averaging four runs per game. San Diego has an eye for the strike zone on the road, ranking 3.0 in the NL with fourth walks per game. Playing against NL West foes really brings the best out of the San Diego pitchers. They allow 3.7 runs per game against teams within their division, which is lower than their season average of 4.6. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the NL with an average of 7.9 strikeouts per road game.
The Padres have gotten the better of the Diamondbacks in head-to-head matchups this season, going 4-3. This game will feature Shields (RHP) on the mound against the Diamondbacks, who have a 24-25 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed De La Rosa will take the mound against the Padres, who have a 24-29 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI, O/U – Over
Notes
San Diego has won 54% (19-16) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Arizona has won 68% (13-6) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Diamondbacks are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Padres have an 8-1 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 7-28. The Diamondbacks have an 8-23 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 18th in home runs, San Diego has hit 58 this season. Arizona ranks 14th with 61 home runs.
Arizona ranks at the top of the league when it comes to hits with 9.31 per game this season. San Diego ranks in the top half at 11th with 8.40.
Ranking 27th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.671). Arizona ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .722.
The Padres are 19-27 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Diamondbacks are 15-29 when they allow at least one homer.
