ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO 8/28/2018 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks attempt to keep a minor funk from turning into a troublesome stretch when they visit the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The Diamondbacks have dropped three of four contests after falling 2-0 in the series opener but maintained their one-game lead over Colorado in the National League West.

A four-game series in Los Angeles looms, with the Dodgers sitting two games back, but Arizona first will face San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner on Tuesday after being blanked on five hits in the opener. Leadoff hitter Jon Jay recorded three of them, but the foursome behind him in the order – Eduardo Escobar, David Peralta, Paul Goldschmidt and Daniel Descalso – went 1-for-15. The Giants have won three consecutive games, allowing four runs and 16 hits during the streak. Steven Duggar hit a two-run homer to account for Monday’s offense and is 6-for-15 with a blast, a triple and four RBIs over his last four contests.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.25 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (5-5, 2.88)

Buchholz is one of the hottest pitchers in the majors with six wins in his last seven starts and a 1.73 ERA over his last eight. The 34-year-old scattered four hits over seven scoreless innings in a triumph over the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn and gave up one run in a complete-game victory over San Diego in his previous outing. Buchholz is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in three career starts against the Giants – with the win occurring on Aug. 4, when he gave up two runs and seven hits over six frames.

Bumgarner defeated the New York Mets in his last turn as he gave up one run and five hits with eight strikeouts in as many innings. The 29-year-old is 3-2 with a 1.71 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and .198 batting average allowed in seven home starts this season. Bumgarner is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts against Arizona this season and 10-11 with a 2.58 ERA in 32 career appearances (31 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants C Buster Posey (hip) underwent season-ending surgery on Monday and will require a recuperation period of six to eight months.

2. Goldschmidt was 0-for-3 with a walk in the opener but is 21-for-58 with four homers, seven doubles, 10 RBIs and 14 walks against San Francisco this season.

3. San Francisco clinched the season series with Monday’s win as it is 10-7 with two games remaining.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Giants 3