The Arizona Diamondbacks (52-42, 52-42 RL, 42-46-6 O/U) meet with the Atlanta Braves (61-31, 47-45 RL, 49-41-2 O/U) in the second of a three-game series on Wednesday night. The Diamondbacks are giving the call to Ryne Nelson. The Braves are responding with Charlie Morton. The Braves lead the season series 2-1.
Ryne Nelson will be on the rubber in this one. Nelson evaded danger last Friday, conceding only two runs (one earned) on nine base hits in 5.2 innings against the Blue Jays, resulting in a no-decision in a game the Diamondbacks lost. The young right-hander has been hit or miss. He squandered seven runs against the Mets in his start before the break and has recorded a 4.98 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP to go with a 5-5 record in 99.1 innings pitched. Nelson allowed three runs in 4.2 innings against the Braves in June, marking his first carer meeting.
Arizona has regressed slightly, losing two out of their last three series. They won two of three against the Pirates before the break but were dealt a road sweep by the Blue Jays this past weekend. The offense has been slumping, managing only nine runs in three games against the Jays. The Diamondbacks are 2-8 in their last ten bouts.
The ultimate first inning for Lourdes.
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The Diamondbacks offense has cooled down in recent games. This includes Ketel Marte. The 29-year-old third baseman only has three RBIs along with a poor .572 OPS on the month. Marte is having a superb year, bashing 15 homers with 47 RBIs and a marvelous .851 OPS. He is 1 for 11 with two RBIs against the Braves this season.
Arizona is averaging 4.87 runs on the year, good for eighth. The pitching is below average, carrying a 4.42 team ERA, placing them 23rd.