The Arizona Diamondbacks are 1-5 on their trip through California's NL West opponents. They've outscored the Padres and Giants 17-16 and have lost every game by one run (h/t AZ Snake Pit). Frustrating for sure but could it also be a sign of progress? As with anything in sports, what matters more than what happened, is what happens next. And next up is the MLB owned LA Dodgers for a three-game weekend series in Chavez Ravine.
The Dodgers start things out with their ace, Clayton Kershaw (4-3, 3.12 ERA). Kershaw has pitched well but does have a tendency to get wild at times so patience at the plate would be helpful for the D-backs. Facing Kershaw is D-backs starter Joe Saunders (0-4, 5.72 ERA). Those stats speak for themselves. Saunders has a WHIP of 1.68, the worst of his career so either he's due for some good games or this guy is just getting worse.
Josh Collmenter will get his first MLB start on Saturday against Chad Billingsley. Collmenter has pitched great out of the pen and now it's time to see if he can keep the spot vacated by Barry Enright who is now in Reno trying to figure things out.
Sunday you can pencil in a win (no jinx!) with ace Ian Kennedy facing Ted Lilly.
Friday's game starts at 7:10 p.m. on Fox Sports Arizona and with the live game thread at AZ Snake Pit who bring us several interesting D-backs' stories today.
Where Do The Diamondbacks Go From Here? - AZ Snake Pit
In May 2010, the Diamondbacks went on a nine-game road-trip, visiting their NL West rivals. They never came back. In May 2011, the Diamondbacks went on a nine-game road-trip, visiting their NL West rivals. And it's not looking good.Diamondbacks Farm Round-Up: May 12 - AZ Snake Pit
Well, at least we know where the Diamondbacks' offense has gone: Reno. The Aces reached double-figures in runs for the tenth time this season - in only 35 games. However, that was the only win for the Arizona farm system, who were outscored 19-23 in total. Snakelet of the Day: Brandon Allen (Triple-A): 3-for-4, 2 HR, BB, 3 RBI, 3 RSeries Preview #13: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - AZ Snake Pit
After spending the past three games flailing at Giant pitching with runners in scoring position, the Diamondbacks finish up their California Calamity Tour (TM), against the hated Los Angeles Dodgers...I suppose the team is still paying off its mojo from 2007, where they won 90 games despite being outscored.