J.D. Martinez enjoyed the best game of his career when he became the 18th player in major-league history to hit four home runs in the series opener. Martinez will look to continue his hot hitting and help the Arizona Diamondbacks match the franchise record of 12 straight victories – set in 2003 – when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (80-58) at Los Angeles Dodgers (92-45)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, September 05 – 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: ML: Arizona Diamondbacks +111, Los Angeles Dodgers -121, Total: Over 8 (-110), Under 8 (-110)
Preview: Diamondbacks at Dodgers
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, SportsNet LA, KTLA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (16-6, 3.08 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (5-7, 3.71)
Martinez recorded six RBIs in Monday’s 13-0 assault of the Dodgers and has gone deep 18 times in 40 games since being acquired from Detroit. “It’s kind of one of those things where you’re laughing about it,” Martinez told reporters afterward of possibly hitting a fourth homer. “I don’t think someone goes up there not trying to hit the ball hard. Going up there and hitting, it didn’t really shock me. I was just happy it went over.” The Diamondbacks have opened a 6 1/2-game lead over Colorado for the National League’s top wild-card spot, while the Dodgers are in collapse mode with nine defeats in their last 10 contests. “I don’t think there’s anything I can do to soothe fans and their passion,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “Each and every night is Game 7, but I can assure you, we’re going to win a game again. I know that. And the tide will turn.”
Greinke is vying for his major league-leading 17th victory and has won his last two outings. The 33-year-old is 1-2 with a 4.58 ERA in three starts against the Dodgers this season, with the victory coming on Thursday as he allowed one run and four hits over six innings. Greinke is 4-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 10 turns against his former club and has excelled at Dodger Stadium, where he owns a 29-7 record and 2.30 ERA in 49 career starts.
Ryu served up three homers and allowed a season-worst six earned runs along with eight hits in four innings against the Diamondbacks last week. The 30-year-old has been pitching well since the All-Star break and still has a 2.77 ERA in seven starts during the stretch despite last week’s mauling. Ryu is 3-3 with a 4.02 ERA in nine career starts against Arizona and will be hoping Paul Goldschmidt (9-for-21, two homers) misses a third straight game.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Diamondbacks have scored 34 runs while winning four straight meetings with the Dodgers and hold a 9-8 series lead.
2. Los Angeles has allowed 53 runs over its last eight games – a stretch that includes a 1-0 victory.
3. Goldschmidt (elbow) traveled to Phoenix on Monday to undergo an MRI exam.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Dodgers 3 – Take on Arizona Diamondbacks +111
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