NLDS Game 2 Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks to rally behind Robbie Ray
After a rough loss in Game 1 of the NLDS, the Arizona Diamondbacks are sending Robbie Ray to the mound to face Rich Hill.
The Arizona Diamondbacks should feel confident going into Game 2, despite the result of the first game.
It’s #RayDay and Robbie Ray is having a career year.
Not only is he 15-5 in 2017, but he has a 2.89 ERA. But, the news gets better.
In five games against the Dodgers, Ray is 3-0 and the Diamondbacks have won four of those five games. He also picked up 53 strikeouts against the Dodgers this season.
More from Venom Strikes
- Happy Thanksgiving Diamondbacks Fans! We have lots to be thankful for!
- The perfect holiday gifts for the Arizona Diamondbacks fan
- Diamondbacks make some BIG 40-man roster Moves
- About time! Diamondbacks to now provide housing for Minor League players
- What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
However, Ray might be under close supervision tonight. Not only have starters struggled across the postseason, but Ray pitched in relief of Zack Greinke on Wednesday.
It was only 34 pitches in 2.1 innings, but he pitched nonetheless and will come into Game 2 on short rest.
On the other hand, Rich Hill has yet to earn a win against the Diamondbacks in 2017. He is 0-3 in four games with a 5.03 ERA.
The Diamondbacks doesn’t have the best track record against Hill, with a .230 team batting average, but he still hasn’t earned a win. In fact, he averages just under five innings a game against the D-backs.
But, the Dodgers are even worse against Ray with a .211 team batting average. Ray averages 6.1 innings per outing against the Dodgers.
Justin Turner has a .250 batting average against Ray, while Logan Forsythe is the only Dodger with considerable numbers against Ray (.444 in 9 AB). But, in 13 at-bats, Yasiel Puig’s batting average has only .077 when facing Ray.
Shutting down Puig and Turner could change the outcome of the game.
On the Snakes side of the plate, J.D. Martinez and Jake Lamb are batting .500 against Hill in only four at-bats.
Hill almost had a no-hitter, but the Diamondbacks, behind Robbie Ray, could easily take Game 2 and head to Phoenix with the series tied.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Dodgers’ hitters ability to lay off borderline pitches frustrating
Want your voice heard? Join the Venom Strikes team!