That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Arizona Diamondbacks

By Mike Azzalina

Jun 15, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) scores a run against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) scores a run against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Jun 11, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

The Team: Arizona Diamondbacks

On Father’s Day Weekend, the Phillies will be hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team from out West comes into the weekend 15 games over .500 and the holder of second place in the their respective division. They have succeeded with a healthy mixture of pitching and offense.

Arizona’s offense is about as solid across the board as any team in baseball. In 67 games this season, the Diamondbacks have put up a top five 344 runs (just over five runs per game). They also sit comfortably in baseball’s top ten for team average and OPS. Their .781 OPS is fourth best in baseball and second best in the NL. As a team, they have blasted 90 homers and have walked 223 times.

The extra base hits are a strong suit of the Diamondback offense. They are currently tied for first with the Washington Nationals (238). They currently have six players OPSing over .790 that have at least 150 at-bats to this point.

Arizona’s staff has been one of the best in baseball. They currently sit with the second best team ERA (3.49) and fourth best WHIP (1.24) in the sport. They have struck out 621 hitters this season (9.33 batters per nine), which is top three in baseball and second-best in the National League. Teams’ offenses are hitting a lean .235 and OPSing an even leaner .688 against the group. They are one of four teams in baseball to give up less than 70 homers (69).

Home/Phillies News