For the final time in 2018, the Diamondbacks head out west to the City by the Bay to take on what has proven to be a poor-but-pesky Giants squad.

The Giants have been in a rough position as of late. Despite just taking a series against the lowly Texas Rangers (must be nice...), the Giants previous 2 series were less than ideal: the Creamsicles were swept by the Reds in Great American Ballpark and split a 4-game series with the very, very not good New York Mets.

On the other side of the good team, less good team spectrum, the Diamondbacks have been fairly hot in their last several games. A 4-game series win against the San Diego Padres, 2-game series sweep against the Los Angeles Angels, and strong win against the playoff-contending Seattle Mariners in the final game of a 3-game set have managed to generate a bit of momentum. Will it be enough to quell what has been a troublesome Giants team however?

Maybe, probably, I dunno.

Starting Pitching Matchups

Game 1: LHP Patrick Corbin (10-4, 3.17 ERA) vs. RHP Chris Stratton (8-7, 5.37 ERA)

It’s hard to overstate just how great Patrick Corbin has been this season. He definitely got the memo that this is his contract year. His 3.8 WAR is tied with David Peralta for 3rd highest on the Diamondbacks, while he ranks 7th in all of baseball in strikeouts and 9th in K’s/9. Corbin went 6 strong innings in his last start, scattering 5 hits and 2 runs while walking 2 and striking out 8.

Advantage: D-backs

Game 2: RHP Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.25 ERA) vs. LHP Madison Bumgarner (5-5, 2.88 ERA)

Since his acquisition from the Kansas City Royals back in May, Clay Buchholz has managed to establish himself as one of the premier starters in the National League and a prime candidate for NL Comeback Player of the Year.

Whether or not you choose to believe that this version of Buchholz is here to stay is up to you, but there is definitely some room for regression: his 3.39 FIP is over a run higher than his ERA, and some may argue that he doesn’t pass the eye test. Even if every one his performances up to this point have been smoke and mirrors, there’s no denying that they’ve been impressive. Buchholz’s last start saw him go 7 scoreless innings, yielding just 4 hits while racking up 7 strikeouts and walking none.

Advantage: D-backs

Game 3: RHP Zack Godley (13-7, 4.59 ERA) vs. RHP Dereck Rodriguez (6-1, 2.30 ERA)

Zack Godley’s 2018 season has become one to forget. Since starting 2-0 and posting a 0.64 ERA, Godley has an ERA over 5 and an ERA+ of 92, 8 points lower than league average. He’s currently sporting a 1.449 WHIP and an opponent triple slash of .269/.355/.406. His last 2 starts have been disastrous: in back-to-back 5 inning stints Godley gave up 11 runs (all earned) on 15 hits, good for an opponent triple slash of .349/.388/.488.

Advantage: Giants

Players to Watch

OF Austin Slater - The term “D-backs killer” is thrown around way too much on this site, though for Austin Slater it’s a fitting title. In 21 AB’s Slater has notched 7 RBI on 10 hits - 3 of them doubles - with 4 walks, good for a triple slash of .476/.560/.619.

LHP Will Smith - Much like Clay Buchholz, lefty reliever Will Smith has made a strong case for NL Comeback Player of the Year. After missing the entire 2017 season with an LCL tear in his right knee, Smith has been practically automatic. His last 7 appearances have been scoreless, going 6.2 strong innings while giving up only 3 hits with 4 base on balls and 10 K’s.

Prediction

Game 1 should easily go the D-backs’ way, as the difference in talent between starters Patrick Corbin and Chris Stratton is pretty substantial. Game 2 will be a pitchers duel for the ages, with Buchholz providing yet another quality start against a mediocre Giants offense en route to a tight win. Finally, in game 3, Godley will tease the fans with 2 short and strong innings before inevitably collapsing in the 3rd, as is tradition. NL Rookie of the Year contender Dereck Rodriguez will cruise through 7 scoreless innings to ensure the Diamondbacks can’t pick up a sweep in the Bay.