Diamondbacks at Braves
Eduardo Escobar collected just three hits in his first 29 at-bats during a miserable first seven games of the season, but the Arizona Diamondbacks infielder has found his hitting stroke entering Wednesday’s middle contest of a three-game series at the Atlanta Braves. Escobar finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored in Tuesday’s 9-6 series-opening victory, boosting his average in the past 10 games to .343 with seven RBIs, seven runs scored and six walks.
While both teams have been among the best in the National League offensively in the season’s early days, both relief corps have been far from stellar. Atlanta’s bullpen, third in the NL in walks, issued six free passes and hit two batters while giving up seven runs on five hits in three innings, including Christian Walker’s game-winning homer off A.J. Minter in the ninth. The Diamondbacks bullpen - which began the series with a 6.20 ERA - allowed the Braves to tie the game in the seventh on an Ozzie Albies homer. Atlanta utility player Johan Camargo continues to show his knack for coming through with the bases loaded, delivering a three-run double in the fifth inning Tuesday to raise his career numbers with three runners on to 10-for-18 with two doubles, a grand slam and 28 RBIs.
TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (1-1, 7.41 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kevin Gausman (1-1, 2.84)
Godley has struggled in two of his first three starts, but has benefited from ample run support in his one victory and a no-decision. The 28-year-old lasted six innings Thursday against San Diego, surrendering six runs on six hits with eight strikeouts but did not get a decision in a 7-6 Arizona loss. Godley, who allowed one run in a victory over Boston on April 5 after giving up seven earned runs in his first start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, is 1-1 with a 7.41 ERA in three career outings against Atlanta.
Gausman has shown no impact from the shoulder soreness that hampered him in spring training through his first two starts. The 28-year-old suffered his first loss Friday against the New York Mets, striking out five and walking three with four runs on four hits allowed over 5 2/3 innings. Gausman began his season with a gem, firing seven scoreless innings while permitting two hits, no walks and striking out seven on April 5 against Miami, and in his lone career appearance against Arizona gave up four runs in 4 2/3 innings last Sept. 7.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Braves are expected to activate C Brian McCann (hamstring strain) from the disabled list before Wednesday’s game.
2. Walker set a career high with three hits Sunday - to end a 2-for-28 skid - before matching it Monday, and has scored three runs with three RBIs in his past two contests.
3. Atlanta OF Ronald Acuna Jr., the reigning NL player of the week, extended his hitting streak to seven games Tuesday with two hits, including his sixth homer of the season.