Diamondbacks at Cardinals
Many key members of the Arizona Diamondbacks have seen their names thrown about in trade rumors, but the club is giving every indication it is a contender in the National League wild-card race. The Diamondbacks will try to match their longest winning streak of the season when they continue their three-game series against the host St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.
Behind a combined four-hitter and three home runs, Arizona posted a 4-2 victory in the opener of the set, its fourth consecutive win overall. The Diamondbacks improved to an NL-best 27-23 on the road while pulling within one-half game of the second wild-card spot. The Cardinals fell two games back in that cluttered race while dropping their fourth straight contest at home. They'll try to turn things around at Busch Stadium behind promising youngster Dakota Hudson, who opposes Merrill Kelly on Saturday.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Merrill Kelly (7-8, 4.03 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Dakota Hudson (7-4, 3.51)
Kelly went into the All-Star break on a good note, tossing six solid innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3 for his fifth quality start in seven outings. The 30-year-old rookie has issued just five walks in 45 1/3 frames over that span. Kelly is 4-5 with a 4.94 ERA on the road and will be facing the Cardinals for the first time.
Hudson picked up the win in his final start before the break after giving up three runs in five innings at San Francisco on July 5. He has served up four home runs over his last three appearances after surrendering just one over his previous 10 outings. The Mississippi State product, who has yet to face the Diamondbacks, is 5-1 with a 2.24 ERA in 22 career games (eight starts) at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright was pulled from the lineup Friday due to back spasms but is not expected to miss much time and could even start in the series finale on Sunday.
2. St. Louis C Yadier Molina (thumb) was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to July 8.
3. Arizona 1B Christian Walker has gone 8-for-23 with four home runs during his six-game hitting streak.