Arizona Diamondbacks vs Detroit Tigers Picks and Predictions May 18th 2024

Tigers Aim to Lift Momentum of Rout into Rematchvs. D- backs

Preface

The Detroit Tigers made a big statement with their season-high 13 runs on 17 hits Friday night, kicking off their three- game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. The Tigers are hoping to keep the momentum going and stay hot at the plate when the teams meet again on Saturday evening.

Detroit Tigers’ Recent Performance

Offensive Explosion

Friday’s 13- 0 blowout triumph was just what Detroit demanded, especially after arriving in Phoenix off back- to- back shutout losses to the struggling Miami Marlins. The Tigers scored more runs on Friday than they had in their former four games combined, bringing their season record back to.500.

” We were really in a good spot coming into the game,” rookie Colt Keith told Bally Sports Detroit.” We had( Tarik) Skubal doing his thing,( Javier Baez) getting hits,( Spencer) Torkelson getting hits, and( Matt) Vierling got a many hits. We were just hitting all around, having a lot of fun.”

Pitching Matchup

Detroit will turn to right- hander Jack Flaherty( 0- 3,3.88 ERA) on Saturday. Flaherty is still looking for his first win since beating the Toronto Blue Jays on August 3, 2023, when he was with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s 0- 2 with a4.71 ERA in five career starts against the Diamondbacks. In his most recent outing, he allowed three earned runs on seven hits and struck out seven over62/3 innings in a 9- 3 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Recent Performance

Struggles and Opportunities

The Diamondbacks will be looking to put on a better performance both on the mound and at the plate in Saturday’s rematch. Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte was the only bright spot for his team on Friday, extending his hitting streak to 16 games — the longest active streak in the majors. The Diamondbacks managed just three hits, while the Tigers had contributions from up and down their lineup.

” That was not anything we drew up,” Diamondbacks director Torey Lovullo said.” That was a painful game. We absorbed a lot and we took a lot. The one good thing is that it’s over. We got to turn the page. We get another crack at it( Saturday). The Tigers had a good offensive approach. We did not execute on the mound. It’s a combination of a lot of things. They are a good offensive team, not a lot of execution for us, and that is what we saw.”

Arizona had won six of their last eight games before losing two of their last three.

Pitching Matchup

Arizona will shoot right- hander Zac Gallen( 5- 2,2.86 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. He plodded in his only career start against the Tigers on June 11, 2023, allowing five runs on 10 hits over52/3 innings in a no- decision. Recently, Gallen has been pitching well, coming off back- to- back wins. He allowed two earned runs on four hits while striking out six in his last outing, a 9- 2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

Key Player Performances and Streaks

Contributions and Streaks

Ketel Marte’s 16- game hitting streak is the longest active streak in the majors and a bright spot for the Diamondbacks. For the Tigers, contributions from players like Javier Baez, Spencer Torkelson, and Matt Vierling showcased a well- rounded offensive effort.

Upcoming Game Context

Significance of the Matchup

As the Tigers aim to keep the momentum from Friday’s offensive explosion and the Diamondbacks look to rebound from a tough loss, Saturday’s game promises to be competitive and engaging. crucial player performances and strategic adaptations will be crucial as both teams strive for victory.

Conclusion

With the Tigers riding high on their recent exceptionable success and the Diamondbacks eager to bounce back, Saturday’s game is set to be an exciting matchup. Fans can anticipate a competitive game as both teams look to amend their standings and assemble on their recent performances.