Brandon Pfaadt, who hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last three starts, will take the mound on Friday when the visiting Arizona Diamondback begin a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves.
Result
The Diamondbacks just lost two of three at home against Colorado. It’s a big series for Arizona, which is tied for the final wild-card spot. The teams split a four-game series in April. “He’s got great presence. He’s like, ‘Give me the baseball. You’re out. “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. “I’ve faced him numerous times and glad I’m not having to right now. It’s fun to play behind him.”
Atlanta won its series with the New York Mets and has a 9 1/2-game lead in the National League East; the Braves are one game behind Milwaukee for the top record in the league. That’s part of being a good pitcher, standing on the mound, getting that baseball in the hand and saying, ‘You’re out.'” In five career starts against the Braves, Pfaadt is 2-0 with a 5.68 ERA. He has faced the Braves once this year and only pitched 4 2/3 innings. He received no decision after allowing three runs in a game Atlanta won 6-5 in 10 innings.
“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. “Just getting back to basics,” Riley said. “The two starts have been unbelievable,” Riley said.
Individual and team impact
Thomas, acquired from Kansas City as a right-handed hitting platoon piece in left field, hit his first home run for his new team on Wednesday.
