Diamondbacks@Nationals: Breaking Down the Starters

Jul 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher

(12) reacts after Houston Astros shortstop

(not pictured) hit a home run in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3: RHP Rubby De La Rosa (8-5 4.59 ERA) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez (8-4 3.75 ERA) 4:05 P.M. MST

Sometimes Rubby De La Rosa looks like an ace, and sometimes he looks like he doesn’t belong in the majors.

That has been the story for his inconsistent 2015 season. The one and only key when it comes to De La Rosa is keeping the ball down in the zone, and keeping the ball in the park.

De La Rosa has allowed 24 HR’s this year which is the 4th most in baseball. He primarly is a ground ball pitcher, but he leaves the ball in the middle of the plate to many times, and hitters make him pay.

He features a fastball, slider, curveball, and a changeup. He has faced the Nationals once and has a 5.14 ERA. Ryan Zimmerman is hitting .667 in 3 AB’s.

LHP Gio Gonzalez has always pitched well against the Dbacks. In 4 career starts he is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA. Gonzalez has also won his last 4 decisions.

He features a fastball, curevall, and a changeup. The Dbacks hit .257 vs. lefties which is 9th in baseball, and Paul Goldschmidt leads the National League with a .375 average against southpaws.