Hot-hitting Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will be looking to extend his 14-game hitting streak as the Arizona Diamondbacks (29-22) host the Boston Red Sox (27-24) at Chase Field on Saturday.
The Red Sox took Friday’s series opener 7-2. Starter Chris Sale went five innings to get the win, giving up one run on four hits. Kike Hernandez was 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Triston Casas went 3 for 5 with two doubles, two runs, and one RBI. Jose Herrera went 2 for 3 with one run for the Diamondbacks.
ON THE MOUND
Garrett Whitlock (1-2, 6.19 ERA) is slated to get the start for Boston. The right-hander allowed five runs over four innings in his last start, a 5-4 home defeat against the Brewers on April 22. He took the loss, yielding eight hits while striking out one and walking one.
For Arizona, right-hander Zach Davies (0-0, 5.79 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Red Sox. In his last start on April 8, Davies took a no-decision at home against the Dodgers. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up five runs on five hits, striking out three and walking four in the 12-8 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Boston has averaged only 2.2 runs a game, down from their season average of 5.3, while performing worse across the board (.213/.279/.305). Against right-handed pitchers like Davies this season, the Sox have a .771 OPS, fifth highest in the league.
Alex Verdugo is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .897 OPS in 131 at-bats. Arizona is averaging only 5.0 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average.
The D-backs have a .775 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fourth highest in MLB. With a .959 OPS over 116 at-bats, Gurriel Jr. has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Boston is 12-13 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Arizona has gone 14-11 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 5.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In seven meetings at Chase Field, Boston is 4-3 with an average scoreline of 5.0-4.7.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Red Sox are fourth in the AL East, 10 games behind the division-leading Rays. The Diamondbacks are second in the NL West, one games behind the Dodgers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Boston Red Sox (-125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
