D-Backs VS. Pirates Series Preview

May 30, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (32) throws a pitch in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Image Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The last series for the Arizona Diamondbacks was definitely entertaining to say the least. They swept the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series, and each win came via a walk off hit. The Snakes went 6-2 on the home stand, but they have a tough road trip coming up.

The Pittsburgh Pirates (71-49) are one of the better teams in the National League, and scoring could be a problem for Arizona. The Pirates have allowed just 415 runs this season, the second fewest in all of baseball. They also have won 41 games at home this season, the second most in the MLB.

Arizona has a record of 1-2 against Pittsburgh this season.

Game 1 (Friday): Brandon McCarthy (2-6, 4.73 ERA) vs. Gerrit Cole (5-5, 3.95 ERA)

McCarthy will be making his third start since coming off the disabled list. Despite taking the loss, he was sharp in his last outing against the Mets allowing two runs on six hits over seven innings.

Cole had his last turn in the rotation skipped, and will be starting on eight days rest. Out of his twelve starts this season, nine of them have been at home, so his PNC Park numbers are inflated (4.53 ERA vs. 2.66 on the road). The young right-hander has lost five of his last six decisions. He is holding right-handed hitters to a .218 average on the season, while left-handed hitters have a .282 average against him.

Game 2 (Saturday): Trevor Cahill (3-10, 4.66 ERA) vs. Jeff Locke (9-3, 2.43 ERA)

Cahill will be making his first start since June 30 in Atlanta. He was on the disabled list for a right hip contusion but also experienced some shoulder tightness. He has tweaked his mechanics in order to improve his command.

Locke will be making his fifth start in search of his tenth victory, but he regained his low-hit effectiveness in his last outing, allowing three hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Colorado Rockies. That was his 11th start with three hits or fewer allowed.

Game 3 (Sunday): Wade Miley (9-8, 3.63 ERA) vs. Charlie Morton (4-3, 3.79 ERA)

Miley allowed four runs in seven innings in his last start against the Orioles. In the previous nine starts, the southpaw had not allowed more than three runs. He has won his past three decisions.

Morton had to take a tough no-decision in his last start. He was in line to get the victory over the St.Louis Cardinals until outfielder Starling Marte dropped a fly ball in the ninth inning. He has been impressively consistent in returning from Tommy John surgery.