The Arizona Diamondbacks’ homestand continues on Saturday with the middle game of a weekend series against the Atlanta Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm The game can be seen on Bally Sports Arizona. Return here for news, updates and more.
Diamondbacks vs. Braves | 7:10 p.m BSAZ
Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (2-2, 5.37) vs. Braves RHP Spencer Strider (5-2, 2.97)
Nelson has found something of a groove of late, his ERA having dipped almost a full point since May 12. The Diamondbacks are 4-0 in his last four starts, and he is 1-0 with a 3.31 ERA in his last three outings. Nelson is making his first career start against the Braves and fourth against an NL East opponent. He doesn’t have a record in his previous starts against NL East teams, but he has a 2.12 ERA from those outings. Strider, known for his frequent fastballs that top 100 mph, ranks eighth in the NL with a 2.97 ERA as of Friday. He has 106 strikeouts to 22 walks this season, and will be facing the Diamondbacks for the first time this season and second time in his career.
Coming up
Sunday: At Chase Field, 1:10 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (7-2, 2.72) vs. Braves RHP Michael Soroka (0-1, 6.00).
Monday: Off.
Tuesday: At Washington, 4:05 pm, Diamondbacks LHP Tommy Henry (3-1, 3.73) vs. Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (1-3, 5.67).
What to know about the Atlanta Braves
The Braves arrive at Chase Field as the first-place team in the National League East, although they are coming off a disappointing series in Oakland, where the hapless Athletics somehow managed to take two of three earlier in the week. The Braves are averaging 5.04 runs per game, tied with the Diamondbacks for the second-best, behind the Dodgers (5.60), mark in the NL. The Braves have a 3.67 ERA as a club, the best mark in the league. Their rotation has a league-best 3.41 ERA while the bullpen has been the closest thing to a weak spot, ranking fifth in the league with a 4.04 ERA. RF Ronald Acuna Jr. is hitting .324 with 11 homers and 23 steals. C Sean Murphy, whom the Braves acquired from the A’s in the offseason, has a .286/.398/.553 line with 11 homers. 1B Matt Olson has a team-leading 17 homers. With LHP Max Fried and RHP Kyle Wright out with injury, RHP Bryce Elder has helped save the rotation by posting a 1.92 ERA in 11 starts. RHP Spencer Strider has a 2.97 ERA and while averaging an astounding 15 strikeouts per nine innings.
Pre-game reading
Diamondbacks win a thriller with clutch relief, defensive gems
Diamond Sports must pay full value of contracts to Diamondbacks, Guardians, Twins, Rangers
Diamondbacks’ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. having fun with a post-game fashion statement for teammates
Arizona Diamondbacks’ MLB playoffs odds rising in 2023 season
Diamondbacks renewed interest in running game with Jake McCarthy’s return
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pitching matchups for Saturday’s Diamondbacks-Braves game