Number Crunch: D-backs Win Seventh Straight Series to Open 2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks won their franchise-record seventh series to open the season. After dropping their first series-opening game of the season, they bounced back and won the final two games of the series.

April 20^{th –} Padres Win 4 -1
April 21^{st –} Diamondbacks Win 6-2
April 22^nd – Diamondbacks Win 4-2

Patrick Corbin Does It Again

Patrick Corbin continues his strong 2018 campaign with the following line:

6 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 ER, 11 K (100 pitches)

Corbin’s earned run average is now 1.89 and this is coming off his complete game shutout against the Giants. He’s averaging 7.40 strikeouts per walks and 12.18 strikeouts per nine innings.

Matt Koch

The right-hander was in line for the start after it was revealed Taijuan Walker had a tear in his UCL. In his first career start, he delivered. His only real error was a pitch thrown to Franchy Cordero for a solo shot in six innings. Had the pitcher on the other side, Tyson Ross, not been close to a no-hitter, Koch may have pitched his way to a win.

Now, it’s one start, but it’s interesting how the timing and performance parallels Zack Godley last year when he made his first start of 2017 fl in for Shelby Miller.

Godley: 4/26/17 – 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 100 Pitches

Koch:   4/20/18 – 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 86 Pitches

Now, the Diamondbacks would be thrilled to have Koch perform like Godley did in 2017, or at least to mid-June Shelby Miller is slated to return.

On Sunday, Torey Lovullo said Koch will pitch Thursday in Philadelphia.

Goldschmidt

After struggling off the bat, the Diamondbacks first baseman has seen his average rise to 4/9 with a double, triple, three walks, two runs and an RBI. His average is now up to .278 and he is tied for fifth in the Major Leagues in walks.

Pitchers Who Rake

Not one but two Diamondback starting pitchers helped their cause this weekend. Zack Godley and Patrick Corbin both knocked in RBIs during their starts and both led the way to wins.

Injury Updates

Torey Lovullo said on Sunday Steven Souza Jr. threw for the first time in about 10 days and his status will continue to be evaluated as he makes his way back from the disabled list. Third baseman Jake Lamb was progressing quickly to return to the lineup. Lovullo said before the game there was a chance Lamb could join the team on the road trip. But after Sunday’s game, Lovullo said Lamb had tendonitis in his right elbow and will be shut down and re-evaluated on Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks now head on the road to Philadelphia. Robbie Ray, Zack Greinke and Matt Koch are scheduled to take the hill in that series.