Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte and Dodgers Gear Up for a Showdown at Dodger Stadium
First Inning
As the Diamondbacks prepare to face off against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, all eyes will be on Ketel Marte, the standout second baseman for the Snakes. Over the past three games, Marte has been nothing short of exceptional. His batting average stands at an impressive .400, with an on-base percentage of .5 and a slugging percentage of .4. In one particular game against the Rockies on May 18th, Marte's performance was pivotal as he secured an RBI with a solid hit. The Diamondbacks will be counting on his consistent form to set the tone early in the game.
On the other side, Dodgers' catcher Will Smith has been making waves with his remarkable hitting prowess. Smith boasts a batting average of .500 over recent games and has shown an uncanny ability to get on base with an OBP of .75. His performance in their last matchup against the Angels was particularly noteworthy as he contributed significantly with both hits and runs.
Middle Innings
Moving into the middle innings, pitching will play a crucial role in determining which team gains momentum. Merrill Kelly, starting pitcher for Arizona, has demonstrated his capability to dominate from the mound. With an ERA of 0.0 and a WHIP of 0.5714 across recent outings, Kelly's precision and control have been instrumental in keeping opposing batters at bay.
For Los Angeles, Tony Gonsolin is expected to take charge on the mound. Despite facing challenges recently with an ERA of 9.0 in his last appearance against the Angels, Gonsolin's potential to strike out batters remains high with a K/9 rate of 6.75.
Late Innings
As we head into the late innings, relief pitchers will likely become key players in maintaining or overturning leads. Kevin Ginkel from Arizona has been outstanding in relief roles; his ERA stands at 0.0 with an impressive K/9 rate of 18 over recent games.
The Dodgers' bullpen also features some strong contenders like Tanner Scott who boasts a K/9 rate of 18 and has shown great efficiency with pitches per inning averaging around 12.
With both teams showcasing formidable talents both offensively and defensively, this matchup promises excitement till the very end.
Fans can catch this thrilling encounter between Diamondbacks and Dodgers scheduled for May 20th at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles at 10:10 PM ET on MLB Network. Don't miss out on what promises to be an electrifying showdown! Share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts so they too can join in anticipation for this exciting game!