Hot-hitting Christian Walker will be looking to extend his 12-game hitting streak as the Arizona Diamondbacks (48-33) host the Tampa Bay Rays (55-28) at Chase Field on Thursday with the three-game Interleague series all square at 1-1.
The Rays evened the series 1-1 after winning 3-2 on Wednesday. Colin Poche got the win with one scoreless inning out of the bullpen, and Pete Fairbanks earned his ninth save with a scoreless ninth.
Yandy Diaz was 3 for 4 with a double and one run in the win. Walker went 1 for 4 with a double and one run for the Diamondbacks.
ON THE MOUND
Lefty Tommy Henry (4-1, 4.31 ERA) will toe the rubber for Arizona. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rays. In his last start on June 22, Henry got the win on the road against the Nationals. He threw 6.2 innings and gave up one run on seven hits, striking out five and walking one in the 5-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Tampa Bay has averaged 5.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 5.5. Against southpaws like Henry this season, the Rays have a .813 OPS, third highest in MLB.
Diaz is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a .954 OPS in 58 at-bats. Arizona is averaging only 5.2 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average.
HOME AND AWAY
Tampa Bay is 21-18 away from Tropicana Field in 2023, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing 3.8 runs. Arizona has gone 24-19 at Chase Field this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.5. Arizona is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Chase Field with an average scoreline of 5.6-5.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rays lead the AL East by five games over the Orioles. The Diamondbacks lead the NL West by two games over the Giants.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
TB Rays (-110)
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