Zack Greinke (3-2, 5.15 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (17-19) meet Johnny Cueto (4-1, 3.02 ERA) and the San Francisco Giants (18-18) in the first of a four-game division series at Chase Field. The game gets underway at 9:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 12 and will air on FSAZ and CSBA.
In his last start, Greinke pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 7-2 victory over the Braves. Jean Segura (.345, 18 Rs, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday. The Giants were victorious over the Rockies 2-1 the last time Cueto pitched. He went 8.1 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out three and walking one. Hunter Pence (.295, 19 Rs, 5 HRs, 26 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 6 yesterday with one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Diamondbacks have a SU record of 10-11 against teams in their division. Arizona has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Diamondbacks are a stellar hitting team with 9.5 hits per game, one of the highest marks in the NL. 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 divisional opponents, the Giants are 10-9 SU. San Francisco has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Giants average 4.1 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. San Francisco’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. They also allow just 2.7 walks per game, good for fifth in the NL.
The previous four games have all gone Arizona’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI
Notes
The Giants won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Diamondbacks are 3-4. The Giants are 7-5 in close games this season.
When leading after seven innings, San Francisco is 6-6, while Arizona is 8-12.
The San Francisco batters brought in a solid 12 hits last game. Arizona has a record of 2-10 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Diamondbacks are 11-4. The Giants have a 14-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking sixth in runs, San Francisco has earned 167 this season. Arizona ranks fifth with 168 runs.
Ranking 14th, Arizona is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 106 this season. San Francisco ranks in the top five at second with 146.
The Diamondbacks are 14-13 when they hit at least one home run. The Giants perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 10-9 record.
