The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks meet Saturday in MLB action from Chase Field. This will be the second installment in a three-game weekend series. In the Friday opener, the Dodgers struck first with a two-run win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Los Angeles played the Rockies this week, taking two of the three games. In the Friday opener versus Arizona, the Dodgers managed 10 team hits in a 4-2 victory. Starter Tony Gonsolin put up 5.0 innings with two earned on three hits.
For the starter gig in the Saturday game, the Dodgers will send out Clayton Kershaw. In his 115.2 innings this year Kershaw has 92 hits, 44 runs (42 earned), 13 homers allowed, 20 walks, 140 Ks and a 3.27 ERA.
Over on the Diamondbacks’ side, they didn’t have much luck against the Braves this week, losing three of four games. On Friday, Arizona gave up three runs in the second inning on the way to the loss. Humberto Castellanos lasted 5.0 frames with five hits, two walks and three earned runs.
Starting pitcher for the Saturday game will be the Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen. In his 109.1 innings so far Gallen has 99 hits, 58 runs (55 earned), 16 homers, 45 walks, 125 Ks and a 4.53 ERA overall.
The Dodgers are 50-15 in their last 65 in game two of a series and 37-14 in their last 51 overall. LA is 39-17 in their last 56 Saturday games as well.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are 34-91 in their last 125 overall and 16-43 in their last 59 versus a lefty starter. Arizona is 7-23 in their last 30 Saturday games and 2-8 in their last 10 in game two of a series.
PICK: I’m sticking with the Dodgers. Gallen has been okay over his last four games, posting 14 earned runs in a span of 24.0 innings. The last time he faced the Dodgers on September 13 Gallen put up four earned in 5.1 frames. As for Kershaw, he’s given up more than one earned just once (three) in his last four games, but hasn’t gone past 5.0 innings in any of his last three starts. Still, LA should be in firm control of this game if they play as they’re capable.