Diamondbacks at Rockies
The red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks seek their season-best eighth consecutive victory when they visit the Colorado Rockies on Friday in the opener of a three-game set. Arizona just recorded a three-game sweep over the Los Angeles Dodgers - the best team in the majors - and has won nine of its last 10 contests.
The Diamondbacks and Rockies have been the leaders in the National League wild-card race throughout the summer and Arizona currently possesses a 3 1/2-game edge for the right to host the winner-take-all game. Colorado has a 2 1/2-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for the second berth and is trying to get back on track after losing seven of its past 11 games. The teams split 12 meetings this season but the Diamondbacks have the confidence edge after smacking seven homers and scoring 21 runs while easily handling the Dodgers. "There's a lot of talk in the clubhouse about what's going on," Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters. "It's exciting times. (The Diamondbacks are) a good team and they've got some All-Star-caliber players. It's a good group, but you know what? They're saying the same thing about us."
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Taijuan Walker (7-7, 3.55 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (11-8, 3.81)
Walker was 0-4 over a 10-start span before allowing one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings while beating San Francisco in his last turn. The 25-year-old is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA in three 2017 starts against the Rockies and has a 2.77 ERA in four career outings. Walker has experienced difficulties with slugger Mark Reynolds, who is 4-for-8 with two homers and a double against him.
Freeland received a no-decision against the Atlanta Braves in his last turn when he gave up four runs and 10 hits over six innings. The 24-year-old rookie is winless in three starts since returning from a groin injury despite striking out 17 in 17 2/3 innings during the stretch. Freeland defeated the Diamondbacks on April 28 when he allowed one run and six hits over six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies All-Star CF Charlie Blackmon, who leads the NL in batting average (.339), batted .383 with eight homers in August.
2. Diamondbacks All-Star 1B Paul Goldschmidt has four homers and 11 RBIs over the past six games and went deep 11 times in August.
3. Colorado All-Star 2B DJ LeMahieu is 13-for-33 with three homers during a season-long eight-game hitting streak.