The ongoing series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Arizona Diamondbacks is not just a rematch from last postseason; it might very well set the stage for the 2024 playoffs. With the Brewers boasting a record of 85-62, including 43-33 in away games, and the Diamondbacks at 82-65 with a 41-32 home record, this matchup is heating up. They are scheduled for another four games next weekend, but first, they must complete this three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Chase Field. After a narrow 2-1 victory for the Brewers on Friday, the excitement builds for the deciding game set to start at 4:10 p.m. EST. Who will emerge victorious?
Milwaukee’s Path to the Division Title
The Brewers are on the verge of becoming the first official division champions this year, with their magic number standing at five. A combination of five wins coupled with losses from the Cubs will seal the deal before they face Arizona again on Thursday. Starting pitcher DL Hall aims to ignite another win on Sunday. Hall has impressively thrown 12.2 consecutive scoreless innings, yielding only four hits during that stretch. However, concerns loom over his 5.03 road ERA. Fortunately, he will be supported by a bullpen that ranks second in ERA, 11th in FIP, and seventh in WAR. Can the Brewers inch closer to securing the NL Central crown?
Offensively, the Brewers average 4.77 runs per game, ranking them seventh in Major League Baseball. They have displayed greater effectiveness on the road, primarily due to the league’s second-highest walk rate and third-highest stolen base total. With a batting average that places them 10th and an on-base percentage that ranks fourth, Milwaukee’s hitters are proving to be a formidable challenge. Despite middle-of-the-pack rankings in home runs (17th) and strikeouts (18th), the team remains dangerous. The absence of their star player raises the question: Can Milwaukee continue to build momentum as the season approaches its end?
Key Injuries – Christian Yelich (out)
Arizona’s Quest for October Glory
Last season, the Diamondbacks overpowered the Brewers on their path to the NL Pennant. This year, their return to the World Series hinges on maintaining their position as the league’s top offense. Arizona leads with an impressive 5.46 runs scored per game, and they also rank second in batting average, first in on-base percentage, first in slugging percentage, fourth in home runs, fifth in walk rate, and fifth in strikeout rate. With 103 stolen bases from 230 attempts, their speed adds another layer of complexity for opponents. Will Sunday’s game showcase their strengths once again?
On the pitching side, the Diamondbacks will rely on their ace, Zac Gallen, for the series finale. Gallen boasts a home ERA of 3.38 and previously limited the Brewers to just two runs in six innings during last October’s matchup. Recently, he has held three of his last four opponents scoreless, showcasing a 3.25 FIP and a 1.265 WHIP for the season. However, the Arizona bullpen currently ranks 23rd in ERA, 22nd in FIP, and 17th in WAR. In this tight wild-card race, every win is crucial for the Diamondbacks.
Key Injuries – Ketel Marte (out); Gabriel Moreno (out); Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (out)
Betting Insights for Brewers vs. Diamondbacks
Betting on Zac Gallen at home can be a safe choice, given his career ERA of 2.94 at Chase Field. He has consistently delivered strong performances, making him a reliable option for the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks, recognized for being MLB’s highest-scoring offense, should fare well against the left-handed pitcher DL Hall, who has a 5.03 ERA on the road and has seen limited action this season. Hall faces a tough challenge on Sunday. Predictions suggest that Arizona may take an early lead and maintain it for a comfortable win.
