Diamondbacks at Giants
The Arizona Diamondbacks begin a 10-game homestand following Thursday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants, but they might not be in a hurry to leave the Bay Area. Arizona has won 11 of its last 13 games at AT&T Park, including the first three games of the series.
Third baseman Jake Lamb is 8-for-22 with five extra-base hits over the last six games for Arizona, which has climbed back to .500 with four straight wins. The Diamondbacks’ bullpen was a concern last season but appears to be much improved with new arrival Tyler Clippard serving as the primary setup man for closer Brad Ziegler, who has recorded a team-record 32 consecutive saves. The Giants looked like they would have one of the majors’ deepest lineups during the season’s first week, but their recent struggles continued in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss as the middle of the order — catcher Buster Posey, first baseman Brandon Belt and shortstop Brandon Crawford — went a combined 0-for-12 with six strikeouts. Right fielder Hunter Pence rested Wednesday for the first time this season but is expected to return to the lineup for the series finale.
TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Shelby Miller (0-1, 8.53 ERA) vs. Giants RH Johnny Cueto (3-0, 3.38)
Miller has been cleared to start after leaving Saturday’s game against San Diego with two outs in the second inning with cuts on both knuckles of his right index finger. The Texas native has had a rough start to his Diamondbacks career while yielding 12 runs and 23 baserunners over 12 2/3 innings. Posey and Pence are a combined 2-for-21 against the 25-year-old, who is 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA in four career starts against San Francisco.
Cueto has made a strong impression with his new team with three straight victories, including a quality start against the Dodgers on Saturday when he allowed one run and struck out seven over 7 1/3 innings. “Johnny was outstanding,” manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. “He had good command, good stuff, he really located everything.” Jean Segura has three hits in 20 at-bats against Cueto, who owns a 6-1 record and 2.54 ERA in eight career starts against Arizona.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona starting pitchers have recorded a 1.71 ERA in their last 13 games at AT&T Park.
2. The Giants have been held scoreless in the first inning in 13 of their first 16 games.
3. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt has reached base safely in 21 of his last 22 games against the Giants.