The Diamondbacks and Giants had an audition of sorts over the past couple of weeks against the cream of the National League crop, the Braves and Phillies. The Giants played in Philadelphia at the end of July, and in Atlanta this past week. The Diamondbacks played in Philadelphia this past week and in Atlanta this past weekend. Both the Braves and Phillies are going to the playoffs, and whoever wins the division will be hosting the NL West champion in the first round. The results were not pretty for the NL West teams.
Giants in Philly: 1-3 record, outscored 15-6
Giants in Atlanta: 1-3 record, outscored 13-12
Diamondbacks in Philly: 1-2 record, outscored 15-6
Diamondbacks in Atlanta: 0-3 record, 13-3
The Giants went 2-6, and were outscored 28-18 in the eight games against the NL East teams. The Diamondbacks were even worse, going 1-5 and being outscored 28-9 in their six games. In the grand scheme of things, the Giants had the better outing. They allowed just 3.5 runs per game against the NL East teams, while their pathetic offense, which hasn’t been a strength all season, scored just 2.25 rus per game. Seven of those 18 runs game in one game in Atlanta. Arizona, who’s strength is their offense, failed to put runs on the board, scoring just 1.5 runs per game. The pitching, which is about average, didn’t perform up to task, allowing 4.67 runs per game.
Arizona scuffled mightily in their audition. The Giants….they pretty much did what they’ve been doing all year. They didn’t allow many runs, but didn’t score any either. Whichever team ends up winning the west will likely be bounced in short order by their counterparts out east. But then again, anything can happen in a five game series…
