Another sweep at Chase Field is on the line today. Edinson Volquez will try to keep us undefeated in Arizona and build off his last start. He gave up one earned run and scattered five hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out a season-high ten batters. In each of his three starts prior to that, he had failed to escape the fourth inning, going as few as 1 2/3 innings in a start. He didn't factor into the decision in either of his previous starts against the Dbacks this season. He has pitched a combined 13 innings and gave up two runs in each start, but our Padres went on to lose both of those games.
However, both of those starts were at Petco Park, and our offense has been killing it in Arizona. Prior to this season, there had never been a sweep by an opposing team at Chase Field, and now we are on the verge of getting back to back sweeps. Our win streak in Arizona is now six games long (dating back to last season). We are also on a current win streak of six wins dating back to August 19th against the Giants.
Joe Saunders was set to make the start for Arizona, but at 8:47 last night, Ken Rosenthal tweeted the following:
Source:
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 26, 2012#Diamondbacks on verge of trading Saunders. Destination unknown at this time.
Then this morning, it was reported that Saunders was traded to the Orioles.
BREAKING:
— MLB (@MLB) August 26, 2012@orioles acquire LHP Joe Saunders and cash from@dbacks in exchange for RHP Matt Lindstrom and player to be named later.
Trevor Cahill will take the mound for the Diamondbacks in his place. Cahill is making his fourth start against his hometown team this season. He is 1-1 in his first three starts. On April 10th at Petco Park, he gave up just one run on two hits, but got the no-decision. He came back to Petco Park and won on June 3rd when he threw a 6-hit complete game shutout. He took the loss when our Padres visited Chase Field for the first time this season, surrendering four runs on seven hits in six innings. Cahill was scheduled to start tomorrow, but will be able to go today on full rest thanks to the Dbacks' off day on Thursday. He will be looking for his first win since July 30th.
