The Diamondbacks need to win this series!
Will the Diamondbacks win the series?
It is incredible that three or four teams from the NL West could reach the playoffs! I’m feeling positive that the Diamondbacks will obtain a wild-card berth.
If the Giants fail to win the NL West (which is likely), they are competing with the D-backs for a wild-card spot, making a series win important, both for the win and for the potential tiebreaker.
The Diamondbacks have more runs scored per game than the Giants. That’s one reason for optimism. Ketel Marte is in the lineup. That’s another reason for optimism. The Giants come into this series having been swept by the Twins (scoring a total of 2 runs in the first two games). That’s a third reason for optimism.
The key to winning the series will be pitching. The game will flow from the starting pitchers. It will continue with the bullpen pitchers. The Giants are capable of walk-off wins (on 6 May, they scored 11 runs in the top of the 11th inning against the Cubs), and ninth inning pitching will likely make a difference.
Giants to watch during the series.
Wilmer Flores, DH, former Dback (2019). His 7 home runs was tied with Matt Chapman for the best on the Giants. In games through 29 April, his .438 SLG ranked 13th in the Majors among qualified DHs. On 5 May, his SLG had fallen to .424.
Jung Hoo Lee, CF. In games through 29 April, his .536 SLG was the best on the Giants. On 5 May his SLG had fallen to .485.
Mike Yastrzemnski, RF. In games through 29 April, his .471 SLG was second best on the Giants. On 5 May his SLG had risen to .491.
What to look for each day.
Monday, 6:45 PM MST.
Merrill Kelly has pitched against the Giants 19 games. The Diamondbacks won 8 of the 19 games. Nevertheless, this season Kelly held opponents to 2 earned runs or less in 6 of his 7 starts. I like the Diamondbacks chances.
Justin Verlander has won many awards, but he is now 42 years old. On 1 May, Justin Verlander started at home field against the Rockies. He allowed 2 earned runs in 6.1 innings and the Giants lost 3-4. If the Rockies can win against him, the Diamondbacks can, too!
This matchup of starting pitchers is advantage Diamondbacks.
Tuesday, 6:45 PM MST
Brandon Pfaadt has pitched 3 games against the Giants. The Diamondbacks won 1 game. This season, the Diamondbacks won 6 of the 8 games that Brandon Pfaadt started. His latest start was 6.1 innings with zero runs allowed against the Dodgers!
Robbie Ray is a former Dback (2015 through 2020). In 2021, he won the Cy Young award. His two recent starts were awesome.
- On 26 April against the Rangers, he allowed 2 earned runs in 7 innings, with 8 strikeouts and 1 walk.
- On 2 May against the Rockies, he allowed zero earned runs in 7 innings, with 8 strikeouts and 2 walks.
This matchup of starting pitchers is even. Either team could win this game.
Wednesday, 12:45 PM MST
When the Giants play against left-handed starters, their win-loss record was 2-9 in games through 5 May per Grant Brisbee. That is a positive sign that Eduardo Rodriguez will find success as a starter against the Giants.
Another positive sign is that only 3 current Giants have faced him, only 1 with success:
- Matt Chapman, 1.375 OPS, 18 PAs.
- Heliot Ramos, .333 OPS, 3 PAs.
- Willy Adames, .000 OPS, 10 PAs.
Jordan Hicks has an ERA of 6.03, which is the worst in the Giants’ rotation.
This matchup of starting pitchers is advantage Diamondbacks.