Arizona Diamondbacks (53-61) vs. San Francisco Giants (57-57)
The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants square off again on Tuesday in the second contest of their four-game series. These teams played each other on Monday but this preview was written prior to the conclusion of that contest. Arizona entered the series as winners of three straight meetings between these teams and are 6-3 in San Francisco through the first nine games.
The Giants enter this contest as a favorite at -112 with the line set for the Diamondbacks at -108. The total is set at 8.0.
Entering the series, Arizona was 7-3 in their last 10 games. This club looked like they were heading for hibernation but suddenly find themselves within striking distance of the final wildcard spot in the National League. It is still a long way to go, but the club has their opportunity with nine games against the Giants and seven games against Padres down the stretch. Let them win 12 of those games, and they are right back in the race.
Another day, another stolen base for @joshrojass. ?? pic.twitter.com/wV3PQhAH6h
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 16, 2022
While the Arizona offense has been led by its power game, 13th in total homeruns (128), it has been their speed that has really bolstered their run production of late. Through the first 13 games of August, the Diamondbacks have stolen 14 bases, helping them score 67 runs in 13 games, an average of 5.2 runs per contest. Jake McCarthy has led the way with five stolen bases despite a .225 batting average and a .326 on-base percentage.
The Diamondbacks look to keep the momentum going behind right-hander Merrill Kelly, who has become the ace of the staff. Kelly is 10-5 with a 2.95 ERA in 23 starts. While the pitching staff has looked very good in August, the right-hander has struggled, giving up five earned runs in 12.0 innings pitched. This comes after he posted a 1.31 ERA in six starts in July.