D-Backs VS. Reds 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

The Arizona Diamondbacks are finally starting to play like a team that wants to be in the postseason In their past 11 games, they have gone 8-3. The Snakes just won a road series against one of the better teams in baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates (72-51).

The road trip for them continues with a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. This is a big series because they trail the Reds by five games for the second wild-card spot in the National League. Cincinnati has a very potent lineup and are fourth in the NL with 533 runs scored.

This is the second meeting between these two clubs this season. Thus far, Arizona is 2-1 against them.

Game 1 (Monday): Randall Delgado (4-3, 3.52 ERA) vs. Bronson Arroyo (11-9, 3.35 ERA)

Delgado pitched well in his last outing, holding the Baltimore Orioles to three runs over seven innings. In his two starts prior to that, though, he had a 6.55 ERA. He has won his last three decisions, with his last loss coming on July 8.

Arroyo is working off two impressive starts in which he gave up four hits and two hits against the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs, respectively. In those two games combined, he struck out 14 while not walking a s ingle batter. He’s 5-5 with a 4.52 ERA in his career vs. Arizona.

Game 2 (Tuesday): Patrick Corbin (12-3, 2.48 ERA) vs. Tony Cingrani (6-2, 2.78 ERA)

Corbin allowed four runs over seven innings last time out against the Orioles. All four runs came in the second inning, and he was outstanding from that point forward. Arizona is 20-4 in his starts this season.

Cingrani has settled into the Reds’ rotation since moving from the bullpen in early July. The lefty rookie has put together back-to-back solid starts vs. the Padres and Milwaukee Brewers, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits in 11 1/3 innings.

Game 3 (Wednesday): Brandon McCarthy (2-7, 4.84 ERA) vs. Mike Leake (10-5, 3.01 ERA)

McCarthy is making fourth start since coming off the disabled list. In his last outing against the Pirates, he allowed four runs in seven innings. He has struggled to command his cut fastball of late.

Leake has faltered in two of his last three starts and gave up four earned runs in five frames vs. the Brewers on Friday. The righty has struggled in his career against Arizona, facing them four times with a 6.12 ERA and allowing five homers.

Game 4 (Thursday): Trevor Cahill (4-10, 4.78 ERA) vs. Mat Latos (12-4, 3.02 ERA)

Cahill allowed four runs in five innings against Pittsburgh last time out. It was his first start after a stint on the DL. He has struggled to be consistent with his mechanics this year.

Latos was the tough-luck loser in a 2-0 loss against the Brewers on Saturday after giving up two runs in seven innings. In seven career starts against the D-Backs, he is 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA.