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Ascending Diamondbacks Ready for Rematch vs. Reeling Reds: A Preview of the Upcoming Series
The Arizona Diamondbacks are gearing up for a crucial rematch against the Cincinnati Reds, kicking off with Monday night’s series opener in Phoenix. After sweeping the Reds last week, the Diamondbacks aim to keep their winning streak alive and solidify their standings in the league.
Recent Performance and Momentum
Diamondbacks’ Turnaround
The Diamondbacks have hit their stride, winning five of their last seven games. This resurgence comes after a tough stretch where they lost 11 out of 16 games. Sweeping the Reds, outscoring them 15-9, has been pivotal to their current form. This momentum carried them through a challenging series in Baltimore, where they clinched a dominant 9-2 victory in the finale.
Reds’ Struggles
On the flip side, the Cincinnati Reds are in a tailspin, losing 10 of their last 11 games. Their recent series against the San Francisco Giants ended with a heartbreaking 6-5 loss in 10 innings, highlighting their current struggles both offensively and defensively. During this stretch, the Reds have allowed five or more runs seven times and scored two or fewer runs six times.
Upcoming Series
Home Advantage for Arizona
Arizona will look to capitalize on their home advantage as they host the Reds for a three-game series, followed by another series against the Detroit Tigers. Infielder Kevin Newman, who joined the Diamondbacks from the Reds, stressed the importance of building on their recent success at home.
Cincinnati’s Road Challenges
The Reds are on a grueling 10-game road trip, struggling to find consistency. Bench coach Freddie Benavides, filling in for manager David Bell due to a stomach issue, acknowledged the team’s tough stretch and emphasized the need to play up to their capabilities.
Pitching Matchups
Jordan Montgomery vs. Graham Ashcraft
Monday’s game will feature a rematch of last week’s pitchers: Arizona’s left-hander Jordan Montgomery and Cincinnati’s right-hander Graham Ashcraft.
Montgomery’s Performance
Montgomery earned a win last Wednesday, allowing two runs and seven hits in seven innings. This performance was a solid recovery from his previous outing against the Dodgers, where he gave up six runs in three innings.
Ashcraft’s Struggles
Ashcraft took the loss last Wednesday, giving up three runs and six hits in five-plus innings. Despite decent overall statistics, he hasn’t secured a win in his last three starts.
Key Player Matchups
Against Ashcraft
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: 2-for-6 with a homer
- Ketel Marte: 3-for-8
- Joc Pederson: 1-for-11
Against Montgomery
- Stuart Fairchild: 3-for-9
- Spencer Steer: 2-for-10 with a homer
- Tyler Stephenson: 4-for-6
Injury Updates
TJ Friedl’s Status
Reds outfielder TJ Friedl was hit on his left thumb by a pitch on Sunday and exited the game after scoring a run. His X-rays were inconclusive, and he’s scheduled to see a hand specialist in Arizona. This was only Friedl’s sixth game of the season following a five-week absence due to a fractured wrist.
Conclusion
The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to capitalize on their recent success and extend their winning streak at home. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds are desperate to turn their season around amidst a challenging road trip. With intriguing pitching matchups and key players returning from injuries, this series promises to be a critical juncture for both teams.
