Rangers @ D-Backs Game Preview: Bradley Looks To Recharge Squad
By Manny Nunez
It was a 1-1 tie in the top of the 8th inning, and Arizona had done its job to keep up with Texas. Chase Anderson had gone seven strong innings allowing just three hits and but the Ranger offense in check. Then Daniel Hudson took over. And then Cliff Pennington overthrows to first base. And then a walk. And then Elvis Andrus brings in a run. And then Tuffy Gosewisch lets his throw to third on a steal attempt go right through third, scoring another.
And then Prince Fielder sent over 18,000 fans home with his two run shot, ending any hopes of a comeback.
What was an emotional high in San Francisco brought them back to earth Tuesday night. Lackluster hitting and leaving 10 runners on base brought down a wasted start. This time around they get their rookie ace, Archie Bradley, to help bring back some momentum to close out the short two game series. Bradley has shown his worth on the mound taking down some of the top NL pitchers, Clayton Kershaw and Madison Bumgarner. Yovani Gallardo is no elite pitcher, but the Diamondbacks can take this opportunity to get themselves back to above .500 if they can wake up those bats.
Lamb Out, Tomás In
With Jake Lamb sent to the DL, effective yesterday, this made way for Yasmany Tomás be a part of the starting 9, and it made a difference. He went 2-for-3 with a run scored, and he has shown a little more comfort being at the plate. His first three official at bats weren’t pretty, and his first hit of his career was a small roller through second base on Sunday afternoon in San Francisco. Having Lamb out will determine how fluid the Arizona offense can be with the new Cuban sensation in the lineup
Things to note:
Arizona has lost five straight at home against AL opponents. Texas, on the other hand, have won five straight in interleague play.
Gallardo loves pitching against the D-Backs, boasting a perfect 8-0 record while with Milwaukee. In his six starts against Arizona, five of those wins were in the desert.
Paul Goldschmidt can be the difference maker for the D-Backs tonight, as he is 7-for-10 lifetime against Gallardo.
If you notice in the lineup tonight, the pitcher is due 8th. This is a tactic to get Goldschmidt to have runners on when he is at the plate, according to manager Chip Hale.
Where: Chase Field, Phoenix
When: 6:40 PM
TV/Radio: FSN Arizona/KTAR 620AM
Pitching Matchup: Yovani Gallardo (2-1, 3.45 ERA) vs. Archie Bradley (1-0, 1.42 ERA)
The Lineup:
Arizona:
Inciarte LF
Pollock CF
Goldschmidt 1B
Trumbo RF
Hill 3B
Owings 2B
Gosewisch C
Bradley P
Ahmed SS
Texas:
Injuries:
Arizona Diamondbacks:
Matt Stites
Gerald Laird
Oscar Hernandez
Jake Lamb
Texas Rangers:
Lisalverto Bonilla
Yu Darvish
Kyuji Fujikawa
Matt Harrison