:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7154524/145367968.jpg)
After stealing one game at Turner Field on Thursday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks wrap up their series with the Atlanta Braves and will head to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers for a three game series. The D-backs find themselves one game above .500 (38-37) and just 4.5 games out of first place behind the Dodgers and the Giants.
The biggest challenge for this upcoming series will be for the Diamondbacks to get runs on the board. They have never fared well against Yovani Gallardo, the third pitcher that they are expected to meet while playing the Brewers. Michael Fiers is a young prospect that has already had some good success in the major leagues as well.
After scoring a total of 51 runs in six games at home, Arizona tallied up just 8 in their past three games. The usual bats-- Jason Kubel, Justin Upton, Willie Bloomquist, etc.-- remain hot, but the 5th, 6th and 7th hole hitters need to see more production.
Meanwhile, the Brewers continue to rely on the bat of MVP Ryan Braun to do their damage. He leads the team in batting average, runs, RBIs, home runs and OPS. Unfortunately, he is listed as day to day and did not play on Wednesday after being hit by a pitch.
Combine Braun's performance with the stellar pitching of Zack Greinke (whom the D-backs will avoid) and the team still finds itself in fourth place in the NL Central. Still, this is a team that, much like the Diamondbacks, can get hot at any given time. It would be unwise for Arizona to take them for granted.
Pitching Probables:
Friday, June 29, 8:10 PM EST: Ian Kennedy (5-7, 4.42) vs. Randy Wolf (2-5, 5.32)
Saturday, June 30, 7:15 PM EST: Wade Miley (9-3, 2.19) vs. Michael Fiers (2.70)
Sunday, July 1, 2:10 PM EST: Josh Collmenter (4.80) vs. Yovani Gallardo (6-6, 4.14)
Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at AZ Snakepit.
For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.