Spirits a Mile High: Arizona Diamondbacks Begin Series in Denver

 

Game #7 of 162: Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies  

Start Time: 5:30pm MST

Broadcast Information: TV: Fox Sports Arizona Plus Radio: 620AM KTAR

Pitching Matchup:Daniel Hudson (1-0, 5.40 ERA) vs Juan Nicasio (0-0, 1.29 ERA)

Game in a Nutshell:

The Diamondbacks have won both series they have played to start the season, but not all of the news has been positive for them. Yes, Chris Young is seeing the ball great, but the lineup is largely struggling with runners in scoring position, and that is not a recipe for continued success despite their 5-1 record. The Diamondbacks will be looking to hold the Rockies in check, as they either seem to score a slew of runs or barely any at all.

Key Player: Justin Upton

It has to be a surprise considering how well he played last season, but the reality is there: Upton has struggled mightily this year, dealing with a 2-for-15 start to the year despite hitting in a prime spot in the lineup. His hand injury has to be taken into account here, but the reality is that he has to hit in order for this club to succeed, and he just hasn’t been doing that yet.

Key to Success:

As previously mentioned, the key for the Diamondbacks is going to be getting some timely hitting. Their batting average with runners in scoring position has been positively atrocious, and against a young pitcher like Nicasio who has never faced them, they are going to have to try putting the screws into him early before he can get settled in.

Headlines:

–Lyle Overbay is not a guy you would consider to be anything more than an important back-up piece, but the reality throughout much of his MLB career is that he has been in the starting lineup a good chunk of the time. He has had to adjust to a new role in Arizona, and it seems as though he has been doing an admirable job of it. [Tuscon Citizen]

-The Navy SEALs are apparently big fans of the way Diamondbacks skipper Kirk Gibson goes about his business, because they went to some great lengths to make him a pretty awesome gift. [Navy SEALs Blog]

-Stephen Drew has been participating in extended spring training games out at the Salt River complex this week, and his ankle does not appear to be giving him any problems. There is still no consensus on his return, but whenever he does come back, he will provide a great asset to a lineup striving for a World Series berth. [Tucson Citizen]

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