Arizona Diamondbacks Series Preview # 14 : Diamondbacks @ Rangers

**Are these two teams evenly matched?**

*Historically, yes.*  When these two teams met in the regular season, the Rangers won 32 games and the Diamondbacks won 31 games.  Against all teams, they were nearly equal in runs scored per game (4.5 vs 4.6) and runs allowed per game (4.7 vs 4.6). *Last Season, perhaps not.*  When these teams met in the regular season, the Diamondbacks won more games (4 vs 2).  Against all teams, the Diamondbacks had more runs scored per game (4.9 vs 4.2), while allowing more runs allowed (4.8 vs 3.7). *This Season, probably not.*   As of 7 May, four websites projected more wins for the Rangers.  The Ranger projections range between 81.0 and 86.4 wins.  The Diamondbacks projections are tightly bunched (79.4 to 80.3 wins). *In May, both teams are on a cold streak.* In May, in games through 8 May, the Rangers lost 5 games out of 7, while the Diamondbacks lost 6 games out of 7. Whichever team loses the three game series may need their players to do a mental reset.

**Which Ranger player will be at second base?**

Each player is barely 27 years old, although this season is Duran’s fifth in the Majors. Ezequiel Duran has recently been on a hot streak (OPS of .976 in the 14 days through 6 May).  However, on 7 May, the recently called up Justin Foscue played second base and Duran played left field.

**Pitching Matchups.**

Monday, 5:05 PM MST. ***Michael Soroka.***  In his latest start, pitching against the Pirates, with some help by excellent Diamondbacks defenders he allowed only 1 earned run in 6.1 innings pitched.  The only Diamondbacks starter with a better ERA is . ***.***  In his latest start, pitching against the , he allowed only 1 earned run in 8 innings pitched.  Of the five Rangers starters, only has a better ERA. This matchup of starting pitchers is even. Tuesday, 5:05 PM MST. ***.*** On 25 April, a comeback hit his shoulder. Before that incident, this season he started 6 games with an ERA of 3.14.  After that day, he started two games.  He allowed a total of 10 earned runs in 9.2 innings pitched.  How long until he returns to his earlier pitching prowess? ***.*** In his latest start, pitching against the Yankees, he allowed 5 earned runs in 5.1 innings pitched. This matchup of starting pitchers is even, but with some unpredictability. Wednesday, 5:05 PM MST. ***.*** He has pitched well this season except for 2 games in April. In May, he allowed 2 earned runs in 12.1 innings pitched. ***.*** Although he pitched well in April, in May he allowed 8 earned runs in 5.2 innings pitched. This matchup of starting pitchers is advantage Diamondbacks.