D-Backs VS. Dodgers Series Preview

Aug 2, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Randall Delgado (48) pitches during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona has the look of a team that is not going to make the playoffs this season, as they trail the Cincinnati Reds by nine games for the second wild-card in the National League with just 20 games left in their season.

The odd thing is that their best chance to make the postseason might be winning the division. The Los Angeles Dodgers have a 11 game lead in the NL West division, but the D-Backs have seven games left against them and they could cut that lead down to put some pressure on them going into the final week of the season.

This will be the fifth time these two clubs meet. So far Arizona is 7-5 against them this season.

Game 1 (Monday): Randall Delgado (4-5, 3.69 ERA) vs. Ricky Nolasco (12-9, 3.26 ERA)

Delgado recorded a quality start in his last outing against the Blue Jays and has given Arizona solid starts in each of his last three, though he’s 0-1 in that span. He will be making his third career start against the Dodgers.

Nolasco, who has earned three consecutive wins and was 5-0 with a 1.64 ERA in six August starts, he will try to improve to 8-1 since joining the Dodgers. He held the D-backs to one run in seven innings and went 2-for-2 with an RBI in his Dodgers debut.

Game 2 (Tuesday): Trevor Cahill (6-10, 4.35 ERA) vs. Edinson Volquez (9-11, 6.05 ERA)

Cahill struggled somewhat in his last start but won the game thanks to some help from his defense and his ability to keep the ball on the ground. He’s won his last three decisions despite 13 walks in 27 innings.

Volquez last start was a forgettable 7-5 loss on Wednesday at Coors Field in his last start for the Dodgers. The right-hander allowed one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings and earned the win against the D-backs on May 5 while still with the San Diego Padres.

Game 3 (Wednesday): Patrick Corbin (13-6, 2.97 ERA) vs. Hyun- jin Ryu (13-5, 3.02 ERA)

Corbin has lost his last three starts but looked a lot better in his last start, when he allowed three runs in eight innings. He pitched against Yusmeiro Petit, who had a near-perfect game. He walked two and struck out 11 in his last 13 innings.

Ryu (stiff back) was scratched on Friday but says he is ready to go for Wednesday’s finale with the D-backs. The rookie left-hander snapped a two-start losing streak with a solid 6 1/3 innings against the Padres on Aug. 30, picking up his 13th win.