Arizona @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 24, 2013 ) Arizona 12, Philadelphia 7
After a marathon game that spanned over seven hours, Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Ryne Sandberg will turn to the one pitcher who is completely rested: Roy Halladay. The two-time Cy Young Award winner takes the mound for the first time since May 5 when he faces the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday in the rubber match of the three-game series. Scheduled starter Tyler Cloyd worked five innings in relief but watched as a pair of position players pitched the 18th inning of Saturday's 12-7 loss.
Adam Eaton ripped a two-out double to ignite the five-run final frame as Arizona won the longest game in franchise history. Gerardo Parra had a two-run single among his career-high five hits for the Diamondbacks, who snapped a three-game losing skid to remain seven games behind Cincinnati in the race for the second wild card in the National League. Arizona is 4-5 on its 10-game road trip.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSAZ (Arizona), WB17 (Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (13-3, 2.45 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Roy Halladay (2-4, 8.65)
Corbin posted his first victory since July 23 after tossing a complete-game gem against Cincinnati on Tuesday. The 24-year-old permitted two runs on six hits and struck out 10 in the 5-2 triumph. Corbin won his lone career start versus Philadelphia on May 9, allowing one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Halladay was originally slated to make a third rehab start for Double-A Reading, but a bevy of tired arms and the ace's proximity were likely factors for Sandberg to call an audible. The 36-year-old is working his way back after undergoing right shoulder surgery on May 16. Halladay has enjoyed success versus Arizona, posting a 4-1 mark with two complete games and an impressive 0.90 WHIP.
WALK-OFFS
1. The teams combined for 19 runs on Saturday - just six shy of the sum total of their previous five games this season.
2. Arizona 2B Aaron Hill was removed from the contest on Saturday with a groin injury. He is not expected to play in the series finale.
3. Phillies C Carlos Ruiz, who collected three hits on Saturday, has 15 in his last seven contests.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Phillies 2