D-Backs VS. Red Sox Series Preview
By Chris Lacey
Jul 26, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randall Delgado (48) and catcher Wil Nieves (27) celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in the ninth inning at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Padres 10-0. Image Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The offense for Arizona seems to take one step forward, and then two steps back with their play this season. They went from scoring seven runs in a win against the Tampa Bay Rays, and barely managed one run in their 7-1 loss against the Texas Rangers, a make up game.
They will continue their road trip by facing the team with the best record in the American League, the Boston Red Sox (66-44).
To make matters worse, Boston has scored 553 runs this season – the most in the AL. They also have the second best run differential in the AL at +98.
This could be a disaster series for the D-Backs, as there is no consistency with their offense.
Game 1 (Friday): Randall Delgado (3-3, 2.85 ERA) vs. Jon Lester (10-6, 4.27 ERA)
Delgado was outstanding in his last start, tossing the first shutout and complete game of his career. He held the San Diego Padres to only three hits, and he has not allowed a run in his last two starts, spanning 14 2/3 innings.
After some midseason struggles, Lester has recorded a quality start in each of his past three outings. He pitched seven shutout innings against the Baltimore Orioles in his last start, striking out eight and walking two.
Game 2 (Saturday): Patrick Corbin (12-2, 2.24 ERA) vs. Felix Doubront (7-5, 3.77 ERA)
Corbin has been lights out this year, and Arizona is 18-3 in games he starts. The last start he allowed just one run over eight innings but lost 1-0, to the Padres.
Doubront has now gone 14 straight outings without giving up more than three earned runs. He gave up two runs over five innings in his last outing against the Rays.
Game 3 (Sunday): Brandon McCarthy (2-4, 5.00 ERA) vs. Brandon Workman (1-1, 3.54 ERA)
McCarthy will be making his 12th start of the year but his first since May 30. The right-hander has been on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. He is holding opposing batters to a .310 batting average this season.
Workman has proven to be reliable starter for the Red Sox while Clay Buchholz is recovering from an injury. He gave up one run over six innings in his last start against the Seattle Mariners. This was good for his third straight quality start and his first career win.