The Arizona Diamondbacks are finding life without Justin Upton and Chris Young incredibly difficult, losing their last four games at Chase Field. Combine the absence of these two outfielders with a red-hot Braves team and it's pretty understandable that the team is struggling so much. The D-backs will look to end their losing streak on Saturday night against Atlanta, sending Joe Saunders to the mound. Tommy Hanson will make the start for the Braves.
Saunders has pitched very well thus far in 2012, going 1-0 with an ERA of 0.64. While he will not strike out many batters, he does a nice job of avoiding walks and putting extra runners on base. Hanson enters the game with a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 3.71. His velocity has been a bit down this season, but he still strikes out just under a batter per-inning. His BB% is also a bit higher than normal, so the D-backs will need to be patient at the plate against the young righty.
The game is scheduled for a 5:10 p.m. start from Chase Field. FOX Sports Arizona-Plus will have the game live. KTAR 620 AM will have the radio coverage across the Phoenix area. ESPN Deportes 710 will provide the spanish feed of the game.
For more on the Diamondbacks and the series, check out AZ Snake Pit.