The Arizona Diamondbacks (84-68, 78-74 RL, 87-59-6 O/U) are set to face off against the Milwaukee Brewers (88-64, 81-71 RL, 79-64-8 O/U) in the second game of a four-game series this Friday evening. Taking the mound for the Diamondbacks will be Zac Gallen, while the Brewers will counter with Collin Rea. The season series between these two teams currently stands at 2-2.
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Zac Gallen Aims for Redemption
Zac Gallen is expected to deliver a strong performance on Friday night. His last outing against the Brewers saw him allow three runs over five innings, but he managed to escape with a no-decision in an Arizona victory. In September, Gallen has been more effective, yielding just three runs over 16 innings, leading to a 3.61 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, along with a 12-6 record in 137 innings pitched. Historically, Gallen has excelled against Milwaukee, boasting a remarkable 2.20 ERA across 41 innings.
Currently on a road trip, Arizona avoided a sweep against the Rockies with a victory on Wednesday. In that game, they tallied 13 runs but allowed 15. The Diamondbacks are currently in the second wildcard spot, trailing the Padres by 2.5 games for the first position. Notably, they are seven games above .500 in away games.
Star player Ketel Marte has experienced a downturn, managing only six RBIs and a .665 OPS in September. Nonetheless, he is having an impressive season overall, with 32 home runs and 87 RBIs, along with a .910 OPS. He struggles against the Brewers this year, posting a .533 OPS. Additionally, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is sidelined due to a back injury.
Arizona leads the league in scoring, averaging 5.50 runs per game, though their pitching staff suffers with a 4.66 ERA, ranking 28th overall.
Brewers Celebrate Division Title
The Brewers have not yet announced a starting pitcher, but it is likely that either Collin Rea or DL Hall will take the mound. Hall struggled in his last appearance, allowing five runs in three innings against the Diamondbacks, which resulted in a no-decision in a game the Brewers ultimately lost. This month, Hall has allowed five runs in 8.2 innings, compiling a 4.91 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP with a 1-1 record across 36.2 innings. Rea’s performance has been steadier, featuring a 4.14 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP for the season.
On Wednesday, Milwaukee clinched the NL Central division title. They have performed well lately, winning three of their last four series, including matchups against the Giants and the Diamondbacks. This week, they secured two victories in a three-game series against the Phillies, allowing only eight runs. The Brewers are on track to potentially finish with the second-best record in the National League, currently sitting 14 games above .500 at home.
William Contreras has been a key contributor, racking up 10 RBIs and an impressive .821 OPS this month. The 26-year-old catcher has consistently produced, hitting 22 home runs with 90 RBIs and an .833 OPS for the season. Against the Diamondbacks, he has already accumulated four RBIs and boasts a remarkable 1.5 OPS.
Milwaukee averages 4.84 runs per game, placing them fifth in the league, while their pitching staff holds a strong 3.65 ERA, ranking fourth overall.
Strategic Insights for Diamondbacks vs. Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have secured their division title, giving them a comfortable position. In contrast, the Arizona Diamondbacks are vying for the first wildcard spot, making this game crucial for their playoff hopes. It’s worth noting that the Brewers have struggled at home recently, winning only three of their last eight games at their own ballpark.
In the pitching matchup, Zac Gallen’s recent form makes him a tough opponent, as he has allowed just three runs in 16 innings over his last three starts. His historical success against the Brewers, with a 2.20 ERA in 41 innings, adds to his credibility as a starter. On the other hand, Collin Rea has faced challenges, giving up 15 runs in his last 15 innings pitched, which could be an advantage for the Diamondbacks.
