Series preview: Diamondbacks eye third place

By Matthew Rzodkiewicz

Jun 23, 2016

Jun 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Michael Bourn (1) celebrates the win with Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (13) at the end of the ninth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Tale of the Tape

Offense: Diamondbacks (.262/.322/.433, 6th in NL in HRs), Rockies (.270/.332/.461, 3rd in NL in HRs)

Pitching: Diamondbacks (4.41 ERA, 9th in NL), Rockies (4.93 ERA, 14th in NL)

Looking at the numbers, the two teams’ offenses are comparable. They tend to hit for the same average and achieve similar on base percentage. However, throughout their history, the Rockies have been known for their home runs and slugging percentage—and their 2016 squad proves to be no different than previous years. This can likely be attributed to the place they call home: Coors Field.

The hitter-friendly confines at Coors Field, while beneficial to Colorado’s offense, also tends to harm itspitching. Tyler Chatwood, for example, is an excellent pitcher away from Coors Field. In seven starts on the road, the young righty owns a magnificent 1.25 ERA, while at home, Chatwood’s ERA is bloated to an atrocious 5.10 in the same amount of starts. Something’s gotta give.