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Pregame Thoughts: Arizona Diamondbacks looking to reenter the win column

By Joseph Jacquez

Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the San Francisco Giants in the first night game at AT&T Park this season

Left-hander Robbie Ray of the Arizona Diamondbacks takes to the mound for his second start of the season against Jeff Samardzija and the San Francisco Giants on a cool night with rain in the forecast.

Say something if the first part sounds familiar. It should because Ray defeated Samardzija last week at Chase Field on throwback Thursday at Chase Field.

For Ray, it has always been about going deeper into the game. He did better in that department, but three walks hurt him because two of them scored. He tried and could not get out of the sixth inning.

Ray is a flyball pitcher that will get plenty of strikeouts. AT&T Park has not surprisingly been kind to Ray. The ball does not carry as well by the Bay compared to Chase and his career numbers reflect the advantage he has enjoyed at the pitcher-friendly park.

Ray’s career ERA in San Francisco is 2.45, and he earned his lone win in five career starts against the Giants there last season. On April 19, Ray threw six scoreless innings.

The Diamondbacks offense might try a different approach at a ballpark that does not carry as much, but if Ray can go six, that should bode well; the bullpen has been lights out as of late.

Essential Info:

What: Diamondbacks (6-2) at Giants (3-5)

When: 7:15 p.m. MST

Where: AT&T Park

TV/Radio: FSAZ+/ESPN Phoenix 620 A.M.

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO, MLB.tv

Weather:  62 degrees, rain in the forecast

Umpires:

Lineups:

Diamondbacks:

Giants:

Apr 10, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) is hit by the ball and leaves the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) is hit by the ball and leaves the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Game Notes:

  • Chris Iannetta gets the start behind the plate as Lovullo shifts his catchers.
  • Nick Hundley is behind the plate for the Giants after San Francisco placed starter Buster Posey on the 7-day concussion D.L. Hudley has had success against Ray.
  • Arizona is still looking for a hit to start the game. A.J. Pollock chased the first pitch from Samardzija.
  • Former Diamondback Aaron Hill gets the start at third base with Brandon Crawford sitting and Eduardo Nunez moving to shortstop.
  • Hill hit a home run off Ray at Chase Field.
  • The Diamondbacks won five of the nine games they played at AT&T Park last season.
  • Left-fielder Yasmany Tomas has eight hits and five RBI over his last four games.
  • UPDATE: In the first inning first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was hit in the first inning, possibly in retaliation for Taijuan Walker hitting Buster Posey.

"Series Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks at San Francisco Giants"

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