Braves, Diamondbacks Close Series in Phoenix

PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves look to secure a series win when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a four-game set Sunday evening at Chase Field.

The Braves (6-2) have taken two of the first three games, including a 2-0 victory on Friday behind a sterling performance from right-hander Grant Holmes. Atlanta’s offense erupted for 17 runs in Thursday’s opener before Arizona (3-5) edged out a 2-1 win on Saturday.

Atlanta will send right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (0-0) to the mound. Arizona will counter with left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (0-0), who was the hard-luck loser in Friday’s duel despite throwing seven scoreless innings, allowing four hits.

Holmes is a key player to watch for Atlanta. He outdueled Rodriguez on Friday, pitching six innings of one-hit ball with four strikeouts. In his previous start, he allowed three earned runs over five innings in a loss to Kansas City.

For Arizona, Rodriguez has been excellent in two starts but has received no run support. He has not allowed an earned run in 12 innings this season, striking out eight.

The Braves have been led by a strong start from second baseman Ozzie Albies, who went 3 for 4 with a home run in Friday’s win. Atlanta’s pitching staff has been a strength early, holding opponents to two runs or fewer in five of their eight games.

Arizona’s bullpen, featuring Ryan Thompson and Juan Morillo, has been effective in relief but the club has struggled to consistently produce offensively outside of a 9-run outburst against Detroit earlier in the week.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Braves 6, Diamondbacks 3.

Following Sunday’s game, the Braves travel to Anaheim for a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels beginning Monday. The Diamondbacks have an off-day Monday before starting a 10-game road trip Tuesday against the New York Mets.