Phillies-Diamondbacks Game Preview: Time for a Series Win

Photo courtesy of Arizona Republic

Last night, the Arizona Diamondbacks were looking for just their second series win of the season against the Phillies at Chase Field and their fourth win in a row. Through the first six innings, the Dbacks continued to turn their season around, striking Phillies starter Cliff Lee for early runs, and Bronson Arroyo was finally as good as everybody said the veteran right hander would be when he signed in the offseason. However a huge problem from last season came back to life, and it costed the Arizona Diamondbacks. The bullpen blew the lead giving up two runs in the seventh, and four runs in the eighth with Trevor Cahill on the mound and the Snakes wound up losing 6-5. It finally looked like the Diamondbacks were turning it around, but yesterday’s loss only reaffirms that this team is in need of a culture change and a new attitude before this season turns into a complete disaster.

Remember 2004 Dbacks fans? That is what this season could become. This team needs a new attitude in the clubhouse: they need to be happy and confident even when they are losing. The Dbacks have to many players that are down in the dumps and that is on Kirk Gibson and Kevin Towers. Remember when Towers and Gibson wanted to create a team filled with grit? Well that didn’t work. If this team can change their attitude than this season can be turned around. Look at 2011, the Dbacks had great team chemistry and the clubhouse was always jumping with positive thoughts: the result was a N.L West division title. Here is all the info you need to know for the rubber game as the Dbacks go for a much needed series win.

Up Next:

What: Phillies@Diamondbacks

When: 1:10pm

Where: Chase Field

TV/Radio: FSAZ/KTAR FM (98.7)

Matchup: RHP A.J Burnett vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy

Need to Know: Brandon McCarthy has pitched well at times in every start this season but has yet to do it for an entire outing and that has hurt him…he comes into Sunday’s series finale with a record of 0-4 and a 6.23 era…Last time out against the Cubs a three run homer by Mike Olt hurt him in a 9-2 loss to the Cubs…Burnett gave the Phillies a chance to win Tuesday against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium…He allowed six hits, two runs, one walk and struck out five in 6 2/3 innings. He also picked up a career-high three hits….Burnett is 0-1 with a 2.73 era this season…the veteran signed a one year deal in the offseason after a great season with the Pirates…In 38.1 career innings against the Dbacks he is 3-3 with a 4.93 era…Aaron Hill hits well against him sporting a .318 average in 22 AB’s…In only eight innings pitched against the Phillies McCarthy is 0-0 with a 0.00 era.

Dbacks Lineup: photo courtesy of Cindy Brunson on twitter

Projected starters for the next two games:

Monday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Wade Miley (2-2, 4.50) vs. Rockies LHP Franklin Morales (2-1, 3.86).

Tuesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Mike Bolsinger (1-1, 5.27) vs. Rockies RHP Tyler Chatwood (1-0, 4.26).