Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres: Pitching Probables, Players to Watch

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Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock (11) and the Diamondbacks celebrate the 3-1 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the recently-concluded series Dodger Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) /

After earning a series split at Dodger Stadium, the Arizona Diamondbacks conclude the road trip with three games against the San Diego Padres

Last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks performed better away from Chase Field. Just 14 game are in the books, but it appears the script has flipped in 2017.

Let’s compare the numbers?

On the opening home stand, the Diamondbacks hit .313 as a team with a .369 on-base percentage and slugged .504. They averaged an astronomical 6.9 runs per game and scored 48 total runs.

As a team, Arizona batters hit .422 with RISP (27-for-64).

After compiling a team ERA of 5.54 at home last season, Diamondbacks pitchers improved by almost two full runs (3.57) against the Giants and a powerful Indians offense.

Despite recording only one quality start, the starters went 4-1 with a 3.49 ERA. Meanwhile, the bullpen also got the job done, especially with runners on base. They went 2-0 with a 3.70 ERA, and Fernando Rodney recorded two saves.

Sometimes, the numbers paint an obvious picture. The stats explain why the Diamondbacks have dropped out of first place in the N.L. West after three games in San Francisco and four games against the Dodgers.

The team is hitting 102 points lower (.211) on the road and runs have been difficult. The offense has scored 2.7 runs per game (19 runs) and they have recorded just 10 hits in 46 opportunities with RISP. That will not get the job done.

The pitchers’ performance has also nosedived. The starters and relievers have a combined 4.12 ERA, but the bullpen has been responsible for a large part of the damage. The starters have given up a respectable 3.46 runs per nine innings, but the bullpen has surrendered an additional 1.7 runs per nine innings.

The Diamondbacks won the final two games against the Dodgers because they hit better with RISP and the pitchers came through when it mattered most. The club hopes this small amount of momentum carries over to a series win over the Friars.