Arizona Diamondbacks (53-61) vs. San Francisco Giants (57-57)
It is a battle between two teams going to keep their slim playoff hopes alive when the Arizona Diamondbacks travel to take on the San Francisco Giants. Arizona enters Monday’s contest 10.0 games out of the wildcard berth, but is 7-3 in their last 10, giving them hope that they can still grab that final spot. The Giants have won their last three, and now are 6.0 games behind Philadelphia for the final wildcard.
A line for this contest had not been set at the time this preview was written. These teams have played nine games this season, with Arizona winning six of them, including the last three.
The Arizona Diamondbacks suddenly find themselves on a roll. After dropping two of three games against Cleveland to start the month, they have won each of their last three series, going a combined 7-3. That includes taking two of three from the Colorado Rockies over the weekend, where they allowed nine runs in the three-game set in Denver.
Today was a party. Let's do it again. ?? pic.twitter.com/BlAV4RjUtu
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 14, 2022
Arizona is averaging 4.41 runs per game, 17th overall, while allowing 4.57 runs per contest, 22nd. However, this club is really putting things together in August, especially on offense. In 13 games, they are hitting .265 with 15 homers and 67 runs scored. That is an average of 5.2 runs per game, and is a key reason why this club suddenly finds themselves red-hot. The Diamondbacks are also running a lot lately, stealing 14 bases in August.
The pitching staff has also stepped up their game, posting a 3.63 ERA this month. They have not named in their starter for this contest as the club has three starting pitchers out. This could be the late call up from AAA or the option to go with a bullpen day. Should the bullpen get the call , this club could be in a little bit of trouble. Arizona has the 22nd best bullpen ERA (4.10) with a 1.33 WHIP and a .251 opponent batting average.