Diamondbacks-Braves Series Preview

Jun 20, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero (26) talks with starting pitcher Josh Collmenter (55) during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Diamondbacks for the second time this season face off against the Atlanta Braves, this time at Turner Field in Atlanta. Last time these two teams met, Craig Kimbrel passed John Smoltz as the Braves all time saves leader and that brings up a topic that is trending around baseball, and is appropriate given Addison Reed‘s struggle in that role for the Dbacks. This is the year of the reliever, but there are not many dominant closer’s in the game today. Right now the saves leader has 27 thats Francisco Rodriguez, one ahead of Kimbrel. Kimbrel however is really only the dominant closer in the game today, based on his numbers over the past few years, and his stuff. Its just interesting. We might never see another Rivera or Hoffman again. The Dbacks look to conclude the road trip with a winning record.

Game 1: RHP Josh Collmenter vs. RHP Ervin Santana

Collmenter won his last outing against the Padres. It was his third win in a nine-day span. One of those came in relief in extra innings. He was the first Dbacks pitcher to do that since Randy Johnson in the 2001 World Series. Overall Collmenter is 7-4 with a 3.74 era. Santana came into his last outing on a three game losing streak. His era during that span was 5.47. He has two straight quality starts coming into tonight.

Game 2: RHP Mike Bolsinger vs. RHP Aaron Harang

Bolsinger in three starts since his second recall back to the big leagues, has a 2.70 era. He doesn’t have a win to show for it because the offense has given him 2 runs in his last two starts. Harang has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 17 starts. He pitched seven innings of two run ball against the Phillies in his last outing.

Game 3: LHP Wade Miley vs. LHP Alex Wood.

Despite pitching eight shutout innings, he suffered a no-decision as Addison Reed blew another save. Miley pitched his best start last time out, but still hasn’t gotten a win since May 10th. In his last three starts Wood is 1-0 with a 1.93 era. In his last start he retired the last 11 batters he faced.

Series Prediction: I think the Diamondbacks will defiantly win game 1 with Josh on the mound. Game 2 is a toss up, but Bolsinger has struggled to get run support, and with as good as Harang has been it might be hard to get that again. Finally Wood has pitched really well at home. I say the Braves take two out of three and the Dbacks finish the roadtrip 4-5.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend and Go Dbacks!