If the first two games are any indication, the NL West might be a fun division to watch this season. While the Padres and Rockies are both 2-0 early in the season, the Diamondbacks and Dodgers have squared off in two exciting games to both sit at 1-1. In the first matchup, it was all about the Dodgers and their offense as they pounded out 8 home runs in the season opener. In Friday’s matchup, it was a game of attrition as the Diamondbacks ultimately won 5-4 in 13 innings. With the first two in the books, Saturday night’s game is shaping up to be a good one. In the matchup, Zack Godley (0-0) will be taking the mound for Arizona opposing Los Angeles’ Kenta Maeda (0-0). First pitch from Dodger Stadium is scheduled for 9:10 pm ET.
The moneyline for Saturday’s game is set at the Arizona Diamondbacks +166 and the Los Angeles Dodgers -176. The over/under on runs scored is set at 7.5.
Diamondbacks Looking For Early Wins Against Division Foe
When it comes to their offense, the Diamondbacks have started a new era, one without the consistent All-Star production of Paul Goldschmidt, who was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason (noteworthy: Goldschmidt hit three home runs on Saturday alone). With Goldschmidt in the Midwest, the Diamondbacks must look elsewhere for consistent production, and David Peralta is a likely source. He has started the season 4 for 10 with a double and 2 runs scored. After breaking out last season, Peralta is going to have to continue playing well for the offense to flourish. Additionally, first baseman Christian Walker has started the first two games with 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in, while newcomer Adam Jones is 3 for 10 with a home run.
On the mound for the Diamondbacks Saturday will be right Zack Godley. Last season for Arizona, Godley went 15-11 with a 4.74 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. In 33 games, he went 178.1 innings and struck out 185 while walking 81. Godley features a curveball that opponents hit just .192 against last season while also flashing a sinker and cutter (that opponents hit significantly better last season). He will also mix in a changeup every once in a while to his repertoire.
Dodgers Look To Keep Division In Their Control Again This Season
With teams around them in the division improving, the Dodgers know that the division will remain competitive. For general manager Andrew Friedman, the offseason was spent trying to ensure that the roster was still good enough to win the division. Sent off were Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood to Cincinnati while the Dodgers also didn’t resign Manny Machado. Coming in, though, are Russell Martin, AJ Pollock, and the return of a healthy Corey Seager. From an early view, the offense has been clicking thus far. Pollock is 4 for 9 with a home run and 3 runs batted in while Joc Pederson is 4 for 9 with 2 home runs and 4 runs batted in, and Kike Hernandez is 3 for 9 with 2 home runs and 3 runs batted in.
While the offense has been good enough the first two nights, the bullpen let the game go last night for the Dodgers. Leading 3-0 late in the game, the bullpen couldn’t hold it out for the victory and eventually lost it in extra innings. Trying to get the pitching staff going again today, Kenta Maeda will take the mound. Last season, Maeda split time in the bullpen and the starting rotation, going 8-10 with a 3.81 ERA. In 125.1 innings, he struck out 153 and walked 43. In both the regular season and postseasons, Maeda has shown, when healthy, that he can prosper both as a starter and as a reliever. For the Dodgers, they are hoping he can hold down a rotation spot, especially until Clayton Kershaw works back from injury.
Dodgers Take Game Three of Series
This one is all about the matchup. While there have been players on both sides that have had success against the opposing pitchers, the Dodgers have some players who have hit Godley well in their careers. Cody Bellinger is 5 for 15 against the righty, while Chris Taylor is hitting .313 with 2 home runs, Justin Turner is hitting .267 with 2 home runs and Alex Verdugo, Russell Martin, David Freese, and Austin Barnes are all batting over .300 against him (albeit in limited at-bats). Nonetheless, I have liked how the Dodgers offense has come out this season, and I have a feeling that they are going to explode again tonight against the Diamondbacks at home. For my money, I am taking the Dodgers at -176.