Diamondbacks Turn to Gallen as Brewers Clinch NL Central
Arizona Diamondbacks Turn to Gallen as Milwaukee Brewers Clinch NL Central
As the Arizona Diamondbacks (84-68) gear up for the second match of their four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers (88-64) on Friday night, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Diamondbacks will call on ace Zac Gallen, while the Brewers will likely deploy Collin Rea. This matchup marks an even 2-2 split in their season series, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Zac Gallen on the Mound for Arizona
Zac Gallen is set to take the mound, hoping to bounce back after a challenging outing against Milwaukee, where he allowed three runs over five innings. Despite that performance resulting in a no-decision, Gallen has been a reliable asset this September, surrendering only three runs across 16 innings, boasting a 3.61 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. With a 12-6 record over 137 innings, Gallen has shown his mettle throughout the season, particularly against the Brewers, where he holds a stellar 2.20 ERA in 41 career innings.
The Diamondbacks recently avoided a sweep at the hands of the Rockies, securing a 13-15 victory in their last game. Currently in the second wild card spot, they sit 2.5 games behind the Padres, and they have performed notably well on the road, finishing seven games above .500.
While Ketel Marte’s performance has cooled with a .665 OPS this month and six RBIs, he remains a force with 32 home runs and 87 RBIs on the season, complemented by a .910 OPS. However, his struggles against the Brewers are evident with just a .533 OPS against them this season. Notably, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is sidelined due to a back injury, which could impact Arizona’s lineup depth.
On offense, the Diamondbacks lead the league, averaging an impressive 5.50 runs per game. However, their pitching staff has struggled with a 4.66 ERA, ranking 28th in MLB.
Milwaukee Brewers Clinch NL Central
The Brewers have already clinched the NL Central title, which they secured on Wednesday, and they enter this game riding high after winning three of their last four series, including a recent triumph against the Giants and a solid performance against the Diamondbacks. In their last home series against the Phillies, Milwaukee limited opponents to just eight runs over three games, demonstrating their defensive prowess.
As for their pitching plans, Collin Rea or DL Hall is expected to take the mound. Hall’s recent outing against the Diamondbacks was underwhelming, giving up five runs in just three innings, resulting in a no-decision. He has a 4.91 ERA this month, with a concerning 1.65 WHIP and a total of five home runs allowed. Rea, meanwhile, carries a 4.14 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP for the season.
Offensively, William Contreras has been a standout performer, racking up 10 RBIs this month and posting an .821 OPS. His season totals are equally impressive, with 22 home runs and 90 RBIs, along with an .833 OPS. Against the Diamondbacks, he has notably excelled, showcasing a remarkable 1.5 OPS.
Milwaukee averages 4.84 runs per game, placing them fifth in the league, while their pitching staff shines with a 3.65 ERA, good for fourth overall in MLB.
Conclusion
With both teams poised for a crucial game, fans can expect an exciting clash filled with playoff implications. Zac Gallen’s ability to dominate the mound against the Brewers will be tested, while the Milwaukee offense seeks to capitalize on every opportunity. As the playoff race heats up, each game becomes a pivotal moment for these two competitive teams.
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