Preview: Game #49, Diamondbacks vs. Padres

Andrew Cashner RHP, 3-2, 3.02

Wade Miley LHP, 3-3, 3.67

Diamondbacks Line-up

1. Gerardo Parra, CF
2. Didi Gregorius, SS
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Eric Chavez, 3B
5. Cody Ross, LF
6. Miguel Montero, C
7. Martin Prado, 3B
8. Jason Kubel, LF
9. Wade Miley, P

Victory tonight would give us sole possession of first-place in the NL West, as the Rockies managed to lose to San Francisco, in perhaps the most spectacular fashion imaginable. They blew an extra inning lead, letting the Giants walk off on an inside the park home-run - the first such in the majors for close to nine years. So, right now, we're half a game up on both of them. Victory tonight would widen the gap to a whole game, while a loss would drop us back into the three-way tie where we were when this series started. If I were you, I'd get used to this folks: I suspect it's going to be a long, nervewracking season.

Couple of other things to note about tonight's game. It's the first night of kids (12 and under) getting in free, with the purchase of an adult ticket, which is a cool idea - just unfortunate that it's one of the few "late" Saturday games, not starting until after 7pm. Still, the offer is also good for tomorrow, so you can't beat that: I wouldn't expect other entertainment options like the movies to offer anything similar in the way of deals!

Tonight, proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will be going to help tornado victims in Oklahoma, and to help out, a selection of the D-backs' wives will be selling tickets at the Community Clubhouse in Section 134. From 6-7 p.m, you've got Amanda McCarthy, Amy Goldschmidt, Kelsey Putz and Laura Reynolds, and during the third through sixth innings, Kristen Ziegler and Missy Pennington. Also taking part will be Allison Kennedy, Caroline Harris and Becky Baylor.

I will be wearing Brandon's jersey tonight when selling tickets at sec 134, so just look for the girl wearing a 6'8 guys jersey as a dress.

— Amanda McCarthy (@Mrs_McCarthy32) May 25, 2013

There's also an online auction, inspired by Archie Bradley, who's an Oklahoma native, featuring autographed memorabilia to raise money for the American Red Cross. Items include a game-used Patrick Corbin jersey, Cody Ross game-used bat and signed baseballs from Paul Goldschmidt and Didi Gregorius, among many other items. You can bid on the auction here, and the current batch ends at 6 p.m. on May 31. However, looking at the cause page, it seems likely to be an ongoing effort (he's also currently selling his pink Mother's day cleats on Ebay!), so kudos to Bradley for running with the torch, as well as the rest of his team-mates and their spouses, for helping.

Fairly standard line-up against a right-hander, Chavez in at third-base and Kubel replacing Pollock in the out-field. Chavez's numbers this season have been excellent in this format, and one dreads to think where we might have been without him. Miley pitched well last time out, allowing two runs in six innings against Miami, but was tagged with the loss as the Diamondbacks scored only one run for him again. Miley's May has been somewhat disappointing (a 5.32 ERA), but he's still having a solid 2013. Be nice to win the series tonight, and then go for the jugular and the sweep tomorrow afternoon