Diamondbacks vs Athletics predictions
If you’re looking for some bright spots as the Arizona Diamondbacks aim to stop their rough six-game slide, you’ve got to keep your eyes on Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll. Marte, sporting a strong .285 batting average, has been one of the most reliable bats in the lineup and looks poised to notch at least a couple of hits and maybe even drive in a run or two. Carroll’s combination of power and speed put him in the mix for a homer and a stolen base every time out, and his bat seems primed to put pressure on the A’s pitching. Add in the consistent contributions from Geraldo Perdomo—he’s quietly putting up solid RBI numbers—and you’ve got a Diamondbacks squad with potential to break through. On the mound, Zac Gallen should give Arizona a steady five innings, racking up a handful of strikeouts and keeping the D-backs in striking distance.
Switching over to the Athletics, Brent Rooker is the name you can’t ignore. His team-leading 23 homers and 63 RBIs signal a guy who’s always a threat to go deep and change the game with one swing. Jacob Wilson has been a hitting machine lately and could easily pick up a couple knocks, setting the table for the middle of this Oakland lineup. J.T. Ginn’s expected to take the mound, and all signs point toward a solid start—think five strong innings with a handful of punchouts. You can also look for Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom to chip in with timely hits, maybe even combining for an extra-base knock or two if they get rolling early.
In the end, these teams feel more evenly matched than their records might suggest, but there’s something about the Diamondbacks coming into this one hungry and overdue to snap out of their funk. With Marte and Carroll setting the tone and Gallen providing stability on the mound, I’m expecting Arizona to edge out the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. It might not be a blowout by any means, but don’t be surprised if the D-backs finally put an end to their losing streak and leave Oakland with a little momentum. What do you think—will Arizona’s stars shine bright enough, or can the A’s keep them in the dark just a little longer?
