The Arizona Diamondbacks have held their own against the Dodgers in 2017
By Joseph Jacquez
The Arizona Diamondbacks made a strong statement in Los Angeles last week.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have lived in the shadow of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017.
Make no mistake about it, the team at Chavez Ravine has been the best team in baseball all season. Los Angeles (92-49) became the first team to reach the 90-win plataeu and before this recent slide, were threatening to set the new single season wins record.
But the Dodgers have lost eight in a row and 13 of their last 14.
Dave Roberts’ team enjoyed a 20 game lead over the Colorado Rockies and a 21 game edge over the Diamondbacks on Aug. 20 — entering play Saturday, Arizona is within 10 games.
Here is a look at the meaningful numbers from the two rivals’ regular season series.
.421
That is the winning percentage for Los Angeles against the Diamondbacks. The only lower percentage of .333 came in just three contests against the Washington Nationals, compared to 19 games against Arizona.
99
The Dodgers pitching staff gave up 99 runs to Arizona’s dynamic lineup. Keep in mind, the D-backs did not have to face the Dodgers’ top three starers: Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood or Yu Darvish in the last six matchups, but none of the Dodger pitchers are easy to score off of.
11-8
The Diamondbacks claimed their first season series win over the Dodgers since 2013.
.500
The Snakes certainly have struggled in previous seasons at Dodger Stadium but won the final three games and made Los Angeles “Chase Field West” for the time being. The D-backs actually finished 5-5 against their rival on the road which is huge when trying to win the overall series.
37-24
The D-backs ability to beat up on teams in the division has certainly contributed to a likely playoff appearance.
Arizona’s 37-24 record against N.L. West opponents is the best of the four teams. Plus, the Diamondbacks swept back-to-back-to-back-to-back series against divisional competition during the 13-game win streak.
Exchanging Words
During the latest Dodgers series, LA catcher Yasmani Grandal was not shy about saying who was the better team.
Yasmani Grandal said #Dodgers would not be at all apprehensive to face Diamondbacks in playoffs. "We know we’re the better team,” he said.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) September 6, 2017
Archie Bradley responded in only a way he could…with brutal honesty.
"On field, head to head, we're the better team." - @ArchieBradley7, on comment from the #Dodgers' @YazmanianDVL08. @Dbacks lead series 10-8. pic.twitter.com/K1wPu5fCf7
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) September 7, 2017
Given who won the season series and who is playing better late in the season when it matters most, it is hard to not side with “The Beard.”
Hopefully a divisional round series will determine who gets bragging rights… after all, that is what both team’s fan bases want to see.
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