Preview #90: 7/7 vs. Padres

The last time Tyson Ross faced the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 20th of this season he was four outs away from the first no hitter in San Diego Padres history. On his 127th pitch of the game with two outs in the 8th inning, Ross gave up an RBI double to Christian Walker tying the game at one apiece. Closer Brad Boxberger, pitching for the third consecutive day without rest, and in a non save situation, could not keep the game tied and allowed the Padres to score three more times en route to a 4-1 victory. Many were surprised that Padres skipper Andy Green even allowed Tyson Ross to pitch as deep as he did into the game given that he was coming off of two injury riddled seasons. Arizona will look for better fortunes at the plate against Ross this time around.

Robbie Ray toes the rubber for Arizona with Alex Avila returning from the disabled list to form the battery. This will be Ray’s third start returning from the disabled list with a strained oblique. His previous two outings were a mixed bag of results. His first start back was against the Marlins in Miami where he went six innings of scoreless ball allowing only two hits and two walks on six strikeouts. His return was a sight for sore eyes, but also short lived for his next start against the St. Louis Cardinals at home was not nearly as smooth. He allowed six earned runs as well as two home runs and was hit exceptionally hard. Five of the nine hits he allowed went for extra bases.