Red-hot Brandon Pfaadt tries to turn D-backs’ fortunes vs. Braves
Pfaadt Aims to Spark Diamondbacks’ Playoff Push Against Braves
Bharatmorningnews.com – Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt steps onto the mound Friday as his team opens a crucial three-game matchup against the Atlanta Braves. The pitcher enters with momentum, having not surrendered an earned run across his previous three outings.
This series carries significant weight for Arizona, which currently shares the final wild-card position. The Diamondbacks recently dropped two of three home contests against Colorado before heading south. Meanwhile, Atlanta concluded its series with New York with a victory and maintains a commanding 9 1/2-game advantage in the National League East division. The Braves sit just one game behind Milwaukee for the league’s best record.
Pfaadt’s Dominant Stretch Continues
The right-hander has now pitched 25 2/3 consecutive innings without yielding an earned run. His streak includes a seven-inning scoreless performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Prior to that run, Pfaadt allowed an unearned tally on August 3 during a game versus San Diego.
Since returning from a call-up to Triple-A Reno, Pfaadt has delivered eight consecutive starts allowing two runs or fewer. During this impressive span, he holds a perfect 6-0 record with a 1.32 earned run average.
“Since he’s come back, he’s absolutely filling up the zone with a fastball, a two-seamer, a cutter and then ripping breaking balls,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “He’s got great presence. He’s like, ‘Give me the baseball. You’re out.’ That’s part of being a good pitcher, standing on the mound, getting that baseball in the hand and saying, ‘You’re out.'”
Historical Matchup and Braves Rotation
In five career appearances against Atlanta, Pfaadt has gone 2-0 with a 5.68 ERA. He faced the Braves once this season, pitching just 4 2/3 innings before receiving no decision in a 6-5 Atlanta victory that went 10 innings. Pfaadt has struggled specifically with Atlanta catcher Drake Baldwin, who is hitting 5-for-8 with a home run against him.
Atlanta has yet to officially name its opening day starter, though left-hander Chris Sale is expected to take the mound. Sale’s most recent outing saw him allow three runs and strike out eight batters over six innings before taking a 5-4 loss to the New York Yankees.
Braves Find Their Rhythm After All-Star Break
The Braves have received a significant boost since the midsummer break, with several key players returning to form. Third baseman Austin Riley, starter Tyler Mahle, reliever Brent Suter, and outfielder Lane Thomas—four roster additions made at the trade deadline—have been instrumental in Atlanta’s recent success.
Riley, who was batting just .207 before the break, has elevated his average to .292 over 25 games since. His overall average now sits at .225. In August alone, Riley has been exceptional, batting .351 with three home runs and eight RBIs across 11 games.
“Just getting back to basics,” Riley said. “There’s been some stuff to work on but working really hard in the cage and seeing some results on the field has been nice for sure.”
Mahle has been particularly dominant since joining Atlanta from San Francisco. He began with six scoreless innings against New York before working six frames against the Mets on Wednesday, ending his scoreless streak at 11 innings.
“The two starts have been unbelievable,” Riley said. “I’ve faced him numerous times and glad I’m not having to right now. It’s fun to play behind him.”
Thomas, acquired from Kansas City as a right-handed hitting option for left field, hit his first home run for his new club on Wednesday. Atlanta manager Walt Weiss praised Thomas’s ability against left-handed pitching.
“He’s been doing that for a while,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “He handles left-handed pitching really well. He can hit righties, too, but he’s really a threat against lefties especially.”
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