Riding a four-game win streak, the Arizona Diamondbacks target a divisional climb against struggling Colorado.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have won four games in a row and are now two games above .500 for the first time since April 30.
Fresh off a three-game sweep against the struggling San Francisco Giants, Arizona welcomes the Colorado Rockies for a crucial four-game series in the National League West Division.
Seeing as the Rockies are just 19-31, these are four games that could go a long way in helping the D-backs catch up to either the San Diego Padres or Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers just took two of three games against the Padres. San Diego sits 1 1/2 games behind Los Angeles while Arizona is five games behind.
Diamondbacks are 7-3 in Their Last 10; Colorado is 3-7
These two teams may have just played each other, but Colorado did take a game in that series. This is a Rockies team that has won just three of their last 10 games, but one of those wins came in Colorado against the Diamondbacks.
Sure, Arizona has won four straight, but winning four more in a row is going to be a tough task, no matter who stands in their way. Colorado just dropped two of three to the Texas Rangers, though they managed to score 10 runs in two games (were shutout 10-0 in the other).
Momentum is real, and Arizona needs to do everything they can to ride this wave as long as possible. Knowing they aren't off until Thursday, May 28, this is a crucial stretch early in the season that could define whether the Diamondbacks are a legitimate playoff contender or not.
Starting Pitching Matchups
Arizona absolutely needs a guy like Ketel Marte to stay hot, but it's also important to know who Colorado is throwing their way as that, on paper, is a strong indicator as to how things will play out.
Thursday, May 21
Zach Agnos (0-0, 5.59 ERA) vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (4-1, 2.53 ERA).
Friday, May 22
Tomoyuki Sugano (4-3, 4.02 ERA) vs. Michael Soroka (6-2, 3.49 ERA).
Saturday, May 23
Michael Lorenzen (2-6, 7.03 ERA) vs. Zac Gallen (2-4, 4.78 ERA).
Sunday, May 24
Jose Quintana (2-2, 4.08 ERA) vs. Ryne Nelson (1-3, 5.19 ERA).
The Rockies don't have a single starter lined up this series that has an ERA under 4.00. Sugano and Quintana are close but, other than that, Arizona could have their way against these starting pitchers.
Saturday's pitching matchup will be one to watch as it's two of the most inconsistent starters in the league doing battle. Friday's is also one to keep an eye on as Sugano picked up the win for the Rockies when they played the Diamondbacks on May 16.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
