Aug 8, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) pitches against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
After taking two of three from the Rockies, the Diamondbacks start a road trip with a three game series against the Indians at Progressive Field. The Snakes have a chance to be a spoiler in this series. Let me explain. The Indians don’t draw as much attention in Cleveland as the Johnny Football lead Browns, or the Lebron James led Cavaliers, but the Indians are still right in the race for the second A.L Wild Card despite slipping as of late. The Dbacks can help dash those hopes. They had a chance to do that against the Royals and they didn’t. Now they have another chance. Here is a preview of the short two game interleague series.
Game 1: RHP Josh Collmenter vs. LHP T.J. House
Collmenter was solid in his last start going six innings while allowing just three runs to the Royals. However, his offense didn’t give him any run support in a 4-3 loss. Overall on the season, Josh has a 4.06 era. When T.J House takes the mound for the Indians, it will be the fourth straight left-hander that the team will face. House has a 2.45 era in two outings since coming back from Triple A. In his last outing he took the loss, allowing four runs three of them earned against the Reds. He has never faced Arizona.
Game 2: LHP Vidal Nuno vs. RHP Trevor Bauer
This will be the most intriguing game of the series. Nuno had his worst start in a Diamondbacks uniform his last time out against the Royals. The lefthander gave up five runs while only lasting fouri nnings. He struggled mightly with his command. Overall, he has pitched well since coming to Arizona fromt he Yankees posting three quality starts in six games. Bauer will face his former team for the first time. The Dbacks let him go after they reportedly disliked his routine. How he treats his former team will be something to watch. In his last outing he took the loss against the Yankees giving up five runs in a 44 pitch first inning while lasting just 3 and a third innings.
Series Prediction: I think the Dbacks will earn a series split. I like Collmenter over House in game 1 to continue the momentum that this team has built. In game two, I think Bauer will be motivated to beat his former team.