Ray, Diamondbacks aim to push Dodgers
The Dodgers have built a five-game lead in the NL West with two weeks to go in the regular season. And the young arms primarily responsible for building that edge look as strong as ever.
Jose De Leon, one of the team’s many up-and-coming flamethrowers, will try to take down the Diamondbacks at 4:10 p.m. ET. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv prefer Los Angeles, whereas Chip Hale’s club represents a +110 underdog. The over/under run figure rests at 10.
Dave Roberts’ troops are in position to seize three of four from the home squad thanks to Saturday’s 6-2 triumph. The largely unheralded Brock Stewart outdueled Shelby Miller, and Joc Pederson and Josh Reddick provided the offensive support. While Pederson clubbed his 23rd homer, Reddick racked up three base knocks in five at-bats.
Now, De Leon attempts to sustain the momentum in his third MLB start. Most recently, he held the Yankees to two runs over five frames. The 24-year-old also boasts 12 strikeouts against two walks through 11 innings so far.
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On the other side, Robbie Ray’s a bit more seasoned. He’s also capable of mowing down a batting order due to an excessive supply of velocity. The lefty became just the fourth Arizona hurler to notch 200 strikeouts in a single campaign when he fanned seven Rockies several nights ago.
Despite the ongoing chase for the division crown, we’re uncertain that Roberts will field his main lineup in a few hours. Either way, Ray seems primed to have a strong outing at Chase Field. Look for the D-backs to earn a split.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: DIAMONDBACKS +1.5