Over to the West side go the D-backs, hoping for better than the last time they faced the reigning NL West champions. That was on February 25 at Salt River Fields, where Arizona lost 10-7, despite handily out-hitting Los Angeles by a 13-7 margin. Nine walks, and three errors leading to five unearned runs, were the difference in that contest, so definitely room for improvement on the pitching front. Despite yesterday’s strong performance on the mound, the Diamondbacks still rank 22nd for team ERA this spring, at 5.80. And it’s worst still if you look at just the first six innings, when it’s usually MLB pitchers vs. MLB hitters: there, they are at 6.26.
Here’s today’s line-up:
After Brandon Pfaadt, we might see RHP Joe Ross, LHP Brandyn Garcia, RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Isaiah Campbell, RHP Jonathan Loáisiga and RHP Bryce Jarvis. Pfaadt had a good first outing in the Cactus League, going 2.1 scoreless innings on just one hit. I imagine he’ll look to go three frames today, though if he gets a four-pitch first inning like he did last time, he might go deeper. Of the relief arms, Garcia is the one I’ll be keeping an eye on. He’s and Philip Abner are the only left-handed relief options left. Both have pitched well this spring, but Garcia’s K:BB of 7:1 across 4.2 innings gives him the edge over Abner (6:3 over 5 IP).
No broadcast today, but I should be better able to follow on Gameday today. Being at work has its advantages!