In the second of a three-game series between the San Diego Padres (72-82) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (74-80) at Petco Park, Robbie Erlin (0-1, 21.00 ERA) and Jeremy Hellickson (9-10, 4.73 ERA) get the ball. The Diamondbacks won the last game 6-3 and Arizona leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 26 and will air on FSAZ and FSSD.
In his most recent outing, Erlin pitched 3.0 innings, giving up seven runs, striking out two and walking one in a 10-2 loss to the Rockies. Matt Kemp (.265, 79 Rs, 23 HRs, 99 RBIs, 12 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and one stolen base. The Diamondbacks were unsuccessful to the Giants 5-1 the last time Hellickson pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out five and walking two. Paul Goldschmidt (.318, 96 Rs, 31 HRs, 105 RBIs, 21 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
San Diego is favored by a slight -111 margin in its matchup against Arizona. The matchup currently has a seven-run Over/Under (O/U). The Padres are 38-32 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,252. They have a 34-36 record SU and are 19-12 as favorite within their division. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 8.5 strikeouts per game.
Moving on to the away team, the Diamondbacks come into this game with a win percentage of .451 when playing as the underdog (41-50) and an overall money line of -216. Against divisional rivals, they are 34-36 SU and 19-23 as the underdog. The Diamondbacks rank second in the NL in scoring, averaging 4.5 runs per game. The top hitting team in the NL are the Diamondbacks, who average 9.3 hits per game. The Diamondbacks have racked up 127 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
The Padres have gotten the best of the Diamondbacks in head-to-head matchups this season, going 9-8. This game will feature Hellickson (RHP) on the mound against the Padres, who have a 55-62 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The left-handed Erlin will take the mound against the Diamondbacks, who have a 19-21 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ari, O/U – Over
Notes
San Diego has won 49% (38-39) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Arizona has won 51% (28-27) of its games when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in six hits, the Diamondbacks need to step it up. The Padres have a record of 24-16 when opponents get six hits or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Diamondbacks are 52-20. The Padres have a 54-17 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 19th in runs, San Diego has earned 633 this season. Arizona ranks fifth with 689 runs.
Ranking 23rd, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 401 this season. Arizona ranks in the top half at 11th with 461.
When the Padres hit at least one home run, they are 51-36. When the Diamondbacks hit at least one homer, they have a 54-35 record.
