Phillies Look to Build on Strong August Against Diamondbacks
The Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks meet Tuesday night at Chase Field in the second game of their three-game series, with both clubs entering September firmly in the National League postseason picture.
Philadelphia comes into the matchup at 77-60, while Arizona is 73-65. The Phillies won Monday’s series opener 2-1, with Bryson Stott hitting a 464-foot home run and Bryce Harper driving in the other Philadelphia run.
Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. local time in Phoenix, or 9:40 p.m. ET. MLB lists the game at Chase Field with Philadelphia left-hander Jesús Luzardo facing Arizona left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez.
Luzardo and Rodríguez take the mound
Luzardo enters the game with a 12-5 record and 3.09 ERA, along with 203 strikeouts. Rodríguez is listed at 14-4 with a 2.50 ERA and 119 strikeouts, making Tuesday’s pitching matchup one of the more notable games on the day’s MLB schedule.
The Phillies will look to carry momentum from Monday’s win. Aaron Nola allowed one run over five-plus innings in the opener and improved to 6-10, while Philadelphia’s bullpen held Arizona scoreless over the remainder of the game. Jhoan Duran recorded his 29th save.
Arizona had opportunities but could not convert them. The Diamondbacks went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 11 runners on base in the 2-1 loss. Brandon Pfaadt was charged with the defeat after allowing two runs over six innings.
Phillies arrive after a strong August
Philadelphia closed August with a 21-7 record, the best mark in the majors during the month, according to Reuters. Monday’s victory also kept the Phillies tied with the Chicago Cubs for the top National League wild-card position.
Harper continued his strong run at the plate in the opener. His RBI double extended his on-base streak to 33 games, while Stott’s long home run gave Philadelphia an early lead.
Arizona, meanwhile, entered the series in the middle of a tightly packed wild-card race. The Diamondbacks’ loss Monday left them half a game behind the San Diego Padres in that race, according to Reuters.
Ketel Marte returns
Monday also marked the return of Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte after a lengthy absence that had generated considerable attention around the club.
Marte missed Arizona’s road series against Boston in August after failing to report to the team. He later apologized for not informing manager Torey Lovullo and was initially placed on the restricted list before being moved to the 10-day injured list with left-knee inflammation.
His return adds another storyline to a Diamondbacks team attempting to stay in the postseason race. Marte was listed as Arizona’s cleanup hitter and designated hitter in Monday’s game.
What to watch Tuesday
The pitching matchup is the clearest focus. Luzardo has been one of Philadelphia’s key starters this season, while Rodríguez enters with the better ERA and a 14-4 record.
For Arizona, the immediate challenge will be converting scoring opportunities after Monday’s inability to produce with runners in scoring position. Philadelphia will attempt to maintain the pitching efficiency that carried it through the opener.
The series continues Wednesday afternoon, when Philadelphia lists Andrew Painter as its probable starter. Arizona had not yet named a starter in MLB’s latest probable-pitcher listing.
Tuesday’s game therefore has significance beyond the individual matchup. Both teams are in the National League playoff race, and with September underway, every game carries added weight.
