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Lilly, Dodgers Duel Diamondbacks In Desert
How the West is won is simple for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the club must continue to pick up victories against divisional opponents. Arizona has thoughts of its own in the desert, hosting the Blue Crew in a series finale Sunday afternoon with the first pitch scheduled for 1:10 (PT).
The Dodgers moved their record to 16-15 against National League West foes with a 6-4 victory over the Diamondbacks Friday night at Chase Field. Manager Don Mattingly’s squad will remain in fourth place within the division regardless of how this series turns out, but the clubhouse remains optimistic.
One of the keys to Los Angeles' recent success has been the bullpen, failing to allow a run over the last five games, while limiting opposing hitters to a .173 batting average. That’s a comforting sign compared to the 4.21 ERA the group has posted this year, which ranks 25th in the majors.
Dodgers starting pitcher Ted Lilly (6-9, 4.79 ERA) is coming off his first win since June 11, allowing just a single run and four hits over five innings in a 4-1 home victory over the Padres. He had dropped his previous four decisions before that contest.
Lilly has posted horrific daytime numbers through seven outings, coming in with a 1-4 mark and 6.38 ERA, as he’s surrendered 10 home runs in 36 2/3 frames.
The left-hander will be facing the Diamondbacks for the 11th time (ninth start) in his career, coming in with a losing 3-5 record and 4.50 ERA, including a 4-1 loss at Dodger Stadium on May 15.
Total bettors will be a bit surprised to find the ‘under’ being 7-3-1 in Lilly’s last 11 tries versus divisional foes.
Arizona hasn’t enjoyed much success against Los Angeles historically, last winning a season series with a 13-5 record in 2005. The Diamondbacks were a dismal 5-13 versus their rivals last year. The Diamondbacks are currently second in the division standings due to their 34-23 record since May 13, trailing only Boston (38) for most wins in the majors over that span.
Daniel Hudson (9-5, 3.74 ERA) hasn’t tasted defeat since May 12 in San Francisco, winning six consecutive decisions heading into Sunday. The right-hander has recorded a solid 5-2 record and 3.05 ERA in nine home starts, issuing just 11 free passes and registering 54 strikeouts in 65 frames.
Hudson hasn’t fared so well during the daytime despite his 3-2 record, posting a 5.11 ERA under the sun in seven starts compared to a 6-3 mark and 3.00 ERA in 12 nighttime appearances. The Old Dominion product has faced the Dodgers just once in his young career, collecting a 5-2 home win in his final start last year, allowing two runs and two hits over 8 2/3 innings.
Home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez has been behind the plate six times this year and the ‘under’ is 4-1-1 in those contests. Teams have averaged just 5.83 runs a contest when he’s calling balls and strikes.
Weather forecasts are suggesting game-time highs over the century mark in the Phoenix area Sunday, which will likely cause the retractable roof to remain closed at Chase Field.
How the West is won is simple for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the club must continue to pick up victories against divisional opponents. Arizona has thoughts of its own in the desert, hosting the Blue Crew in a series finale Sunday afternoon with the first pitch scheduled for 1:10 (PT).
The Dodgers moved their record to 16-15 against National League West foes with a 6-4 victory over the Diamondbacks Friday night at Chase Field. Manager Don Mattingly’s squad will remain in fourth place within the division regardless of how this series turns out, but the clubhouse remains optimistic.
One of the keys to Los Angeles' recent success has been the bullpen, failing to allow a run over the last five games, while limiting opposing hitters to a .173 batting average. That’s a comforting sign compared to the 4.21 ERA the group has posted this year, which ranks 25th in the majors.
Dodgers starting pitcher Ted Lilly (6-9, 4.79 ERA) is coming off his first win since June 11, allowing just a single run and four hits over five innings in a 4-1 home victory over the Padres. He had dropped his previous four decisions before that contest.
Lilly has posted horrific daytime numbers through seven outings, coming in with a 1-4 mark and 6.38 ERA, as he’s surrendered 10 home runs in 36 2/3 frames.
The left-hander will be facing the Diamondbacks for the 11th time (ninth start) in his career, coming in with a losing 3-5 record and 4.50 ERA, including a 4-1 loss at Dodger Stadium on May 15.
Total bettors will be a bit surprised to find the ‘under’ being 7-3-1 in Lilly’s last 11 tries versus divisional foes.
Arizona hasn’t enjoyed much success against Los Angeles historically, last winning a season series with a 13-5 record in 2005. The Diamondbacks were a dismal 5-13 versus their rivals last year. The Diamondbacks are currently second in the division standings due to their 34-23 record since May 13, trailing only Boston (38) for most wins in the majors over that span.
Daniel Hudson (9-5, 3.74 ERA) hasn’t tasted defeat since May 12 in San Francisco, winning six consecutive decisions heading into Sunday. The right-hander has recorded a solid 5-2 record and 3.05 ERA in nine home starts, issuing just 11 free passes and registering 54 strikeouts in 65 frames.
Hudson hasn’t fared so well during the daytime despite his 3-2 record, posting a 5.11 ERA under the sun in seven starts compared to a 6-3 mark and 3.00 ERA in 12 nighttime appearances. The Old Dominion product has faced the Dodgers just once in his young career, collecting a 5-2 home win in his final start last year, allowing two runs and two hits over 8 2/3 innings.
Home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez has been behind the plate six times this year and the ‘under’ is 4-1-1 in those contests. Teams have averaged just 5.83 runs a contest when he’s calling balls and strikes.
Weather forecasts are suggesting game-time highs over the century mark in the Phoenix area Sunday, which will likely cause the retractable roof to remain closed at Chase Field.
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