Robbie Ray (7-11, 4.31 ERA) and Matt Wisler (4-11, 5.16 ERA) take the hill in the last of a four-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (53-74) and the Atlanta Braves (46-81) at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks won the last game 10-9, and Arizona leads the series 2-1. Action begins at 9:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 25 and can be seen on FSAZ and FSSE.
Ray pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out 13 and walking one in a 2-1 win over the Padres. Jake Lamb (.265, 64 Rs, 25 HRs, 79 RBIs, 5 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 6 with three runs, one home run, and two RBIs. Wisler went 5.0 innings, surrendering seven runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking two in a 7-5 defeat to the Phillies in his most recent start. Freddie Freeman (.288, 76 Rs, 26 HRs, 61 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run.
The odds for Arizona and Atlanta are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Diamondbacks have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.8 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.6 runs per game. The Diamondbacks are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 424. Arizona is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 102 bases. Arizona’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 7.5 runs per game, well above its season average of 5.6.
Offensively, the Braves have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.7 runs per game by averaging 5.1 during that stretch. The Braves allow 4.9 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 7.5 runs per game during that span. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Braves have the fifth-fewest in the NL with an average of just 3.0 walks allowed per game.
The Diamondbacks have controlled the season series, 5-1. The Diamondbacks have a 35-58 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Wisler takes the mound. Ray (LHP) will be on the hill against the Braves, who have a inferior 13-27 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI
Notes
Arizona is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games,.
Arizona 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta.
Atlanta is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games, when playing on the road against Arizona.
Atlanta has won 33% (15-31) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Arizona has won 41% (26-38) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Diamondbacks have a 22-38 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 34-19. The Diamondbacks have a 40-15 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Atlanta has earned 475 this season. Arizona ranks 12th with 584 runs.
Ranking 23rd, Arizona is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 358 this season. Atlanta ranks in the top half with 383.
The Diamondbacks are 44-40 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Braves are 26-32 when they hit at least one homer.
