Webb (7-3, 3.25)
Rueter (2-6, 5.31)
Getting today's preview up early, since things are likely to get busy later on. Work called yesterday, asking me to do some overtime; while I fended that off, I did say I'd come in this afternoon if needed. However, that ends at 5:30 pm, as we've to head to The Sets for the Comedy Slamfest final. It'll be fun, but can't say I'll be sorry to see this over, and get on to our summer break.
Speaking of breaks, I'll be away three days next week (Tue-Thu). While I could just post three Gameday Threads and let you go wild, is anyone interested in standing in during my absence? You can write as much or as little as you want; it'll be better than the "zero" I'll be able to do! If so, let me know in the comments or send me an email (address is on the right), and I'll get your ID upgraded so you can post actual stories 'n' stuff.
Today, Brandon Webb will try to pass his win total from the whole of last season: not bad, given we're still in June. He's probably been our most consistent pitcher this year, and it's rare for us to be far behind in a game with him on the mound - he has yet to allow more than four earned runs. However, recently, it hasn't taken that many to beat us: we've only scored twelve runs in five games.
Tonight should give us a chance though, since Rueter has been every bit as poor in June as the Diamondbacks:
Rueter: 19.1 IP, 36 H, 8 BB, 19 ER, 8.84 ERA, 0-3 record
If we can't attack a pitcher with that kind of recent performance, there's no hope for us. Glaus will probably return to the cleanup spot, after being dropped to the #5 hole yesterday. And that - 0-for-4 with 4 K's - worked so well, didn't it?
This is a game the Diamondbacks should win. It's also a game they need to win. And - flushed with my success in calling last night's result - I'm optimistic it's a game they will win.