The Arizona Diamondbacks hope to keep up their hot start to the season when they begin a series Monday night with the San Francisco Giants. Arizona began the day tied for the most wins in the National League with seven.
The D’Backs head to San Francisco fresh off a heated game in St. Louis Sunday afternoon that saw both benches clear when Arizona manager Torey Lovullo exchanged words with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. Even after Lovullo was ejected, Arizona won the game, giving the Diamondbacks their fifth win in their last six games.
The Giants, meanwhile, are 4-4 on the season, struggling to find a good rhythm. Of course, San Francisco is without starting pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija, as well as closer Mark Melancon, so the Giants should be content if they can continue to hang around .500 early in the season until they can get healthy. The Arizona Diamondbacks are -137 on the road at the San Francisco Giants on Monday.
Arizona Believes in Godley
Zack Godley will get the ball for the Diamondbacks on Monday. Despite an 8-9 record a season ago, he had a true breakout year in 2017, posting a 3.37 ERA. He looks poised to build off that this season after allowing just one run on four hits over seven innings in his first start of the season against the Dodgers.
The caveat is that San Francisco’s roster is a combined 15 for 35 (.429) against Godley. No one on the Giants has more than six career at-bats against the righty, but most of them have had success in that small-sample-size. For instance, Andrew McCutchen, who is finally showing signs of life this season, is 3 for 4 against Godley. Hunter Pence is also someone to watch on Monday, as he’s 4 for 5 against Godley with two home runs.
Holland Hoping To Contain Diamondbacks
The Giants will counter with lefty Derek Holland, who will also make his second start of the season. The 31-year old lefty was lucky to get a job after losing 14 games and posting a 6.20 ERA last season. Of course, the Giants are desperate for pitching due to their injury situation, so Holland is getting a chance to prove himself.
Holland allowed five runs in his start against the Dodgers last week, although only three were earned. He only let up three hits, getting hurt by three walks and three errors, so there’s a chance he’ll have better fortune against the Diamondbacks. That being said, several of Arizona’s hitters are off to strong starts this year. The D’Backs are right-hand heavy, which could be a problem. Even with Paul Goldschmidt off to a slow start, A.J. Pollock, Nick Ahmed, and Chris Owings are all swinging a hot bat.
Arizona Brings the Heat
It may be cool in San Francisco Monday night, but the Diamondbacks will stay hot. Even if Godley continues to struggle against some of the Giants hitters, Holland could also have problems getting outs. If this game turns into a slugfest, the Diamondbacks are more likely to win. Bet on the Arizona Diamondbacks -137 over the San Francisco Giants on Monday
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