In the 2024 baseball season, the San Francisco Giants (78-79, 37-42 away) are set to face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks (87-70, 42-34 home) for the 13th and final time. The previous encounter on Monday night resulted in a 6-3 victory for the Giants, narrowing the season series to 6-5 in favor of Arizona. With the game taking place at Chase Field at 9:40 p.m. EST, the Diamondbacks will take advantage of their home-field setting. Will they secure a final victory over the Giants this season?
Giants Keep Pushing Forward
Despite being out of the playoff race, the Giants are showing resilience by going 6-1 against teams in contention. Their pitching has played a significant role, limiting opponents to three runs or fewer in most games. Mason Black, a rookie pitcher, is key to their success, maintaining a 3.72 ERA and 1.190 WHIP since returning to the lineup in late August. The bullpen, while ranked 16th in ERA, has been effective at crucial moments. Can they deliver yet again against a strong opponent?
Offensively, the Giants have struggled, averaging 4.27 runs per game, which places them 17th in the league. They have shown flashes of potential but lack consistency. Interestingly, they have performed well against Arizona, scoring 52 runs in their last 11 meetings. Currently, they rank 21st in batting average and on-base percentage, as well as 18th in slugging. With only 67 stolen bases all season, they are among the lowest in the league for attempts. Can they find a way to break through on this critical night?
Key Injuries – Wilmer Flores (out); Jung Hoo Lee (out)
Diamondbacks in a Tight Race
Aiming for another NL Pennant, the Diamondbacks find themselves in a competitive position, needing to secure a playoff spot with only a 1.5-game gap separating them from the Braves for the final slot. Zac Gallen, the ace of their pitching staff, is expected to lead the charge. His recent performances have been mixed, allowing four or more runs in several outings, while excelling in others, including a no-hit game against the Giants earlier this month. Gallen’s home ERA of 3.51 offers some reassurance, but the bullpen’s struggles could pose a challenge. Will they rise to the occasion when it matters most?
Offensively, Arizona boasts one of the most potent lineups in baseball, averaging 5.50 runs per game, the highest in the majors. Although they faced a brief slump with only three runs in their last game, they have consistently been a scoring threat. They rank second in batting average, first in on-base percentage, and second in slugging. Their power at the plate is complemented by a top-five ranking in home runs and walk rates. With their lineup’s strength, can they maintain momentum heading into the postseason?
Key Injuries – Gabriel Moreno (questionable)
Best Bets for Giants vs. Diamondbacks
With the stakes high, Arizona is positioned for success with Gallen on the mound. His previous performance against the Giants, where he held them hitless, sets a promising tone for this matchup. The Diamondbacks are displaying offensive prowess, averaging 6.43 runs per game in September, and their home OPS stands at .801. Given Mason Black’s 6.75 road ERA and the Giants’ struggling bullpen, Arizona is likely to secure victory with a comfortable margin.
