Arizona.Diamondbacks.MLB.com

D-backs playing with a pair of aces

• fan comments
• print this page
• e-mail this page
• post on facebook

Related Links

• Scherzer's player profile
• Haren's player profile
• 2009 Interleague Play coverage

By Tom Singer / MLB.com

06/27/09 9:24 PM ET

PHOENIX -- While it is somewhat mystifying that the D-backs should be reeling through an 8-16 June with the National League's two hottest pitchers in their rotation, another thing is crystal clear: With those two right-handers lined up for the month's final two starts, Arizona has a wonderful chance to head into July -- and turn the second-half corner -- with some momentum.

No. 1 in that tandem is Max Scherzer, who faces the Angels in the D-backs' final Interleague game of the season. Scherzer, who will be out to win his fourth consecutive start, has a June ERA of 1.46. That's the best in the National League.

Dan Haren is the tandem's 1-A, with a 1.70 June ERA that ranks as the league's second-best. Haren is set to lead off the upcoming road trip by facing the Reds on Tuesday, following an off-day.

With one game to go, the D-backs are 3-8 in Interleague Play. The American League West's best -- the Texas Rangers and the Angels -- have saddled Arizona with seven losses in eight games.

But manager A.J. Hinch hopes his players have at least been paying attention to the elements that go into winning close games; three of the four losses to Texas and Los Angeles have been by one run.

"Tight games like these show up every aspect of the game," Hinch said. "That's the one constant in baseball -- there are things you need to do fundamentally well to win."

Pitching well is the most fundamental. Yet the D-backs have been frustrated by not being able to make the most of their starters' best days.

Doug Davis' effort in Saturday's 2-1 loss was the staff's 44th quality start of the season, meaning D-backs starters allowed three or fewer earned runs in six-plus innings.

The team's record in those games is 25-19.

Scherzer has been the surest thing, posting a personal record of 5-1 in his eight quality starts, with the D-backs having split his two no-decisions.

Pitching matchup
ARI: RHP Max Scherzer (5-4, 3.53 ERA)
Scherzer pitched a career-high 119 pitches in six innings against the Rangers in his last start, cruising to his third victory in a row. Using a steady dose of fastballs and offspeed pitches, Scherzer was able to keep the Texas hitters off-balance. He racked up seven strikeouts in the 8-2 victory and appears to be honing his craft and building arm strength. He is brimming with confidence and continues to develop as a Major League pitcher.

LAA: RHP Matt Palmer (6-1, 4.70 ERA)
In his 11th start in an Angels uniform on Monday night at home, Palmer finally tasted defeat, at the hands of the scorching Rockies. Palmer lasted 4 2/3 innings, surrendering six earned runs on seven hits and five walks. He struck out five. His previous high in runs allowed was five, and the 4 2/3 innings matched his briefest outing in a starting role. Palmer has never faced Arizona.

Tidbits
The D-backs have signed 32 of their 55 picks from this month's First-Year Player Draft with Saturday's announcement of an agreement with second-round choice Eric Smith, a right-hander out of the University of Rhode Island. ... As part of Saturday's "'70s Day" promotion, the D-backs batters' images on the center-field video board were enhanced with retro hairstyles, facial hair and jewelry, provoking steady laughter from the fans. ... The D-backs will be out to break a season-long four-game home losing streak on Sunday. ... Following Justin Upton's strikeout to end the fifth inning with a runner on second, the D-backs have struck out 64 times with runners in scoring position and two outs, compared to 55 hits under those circumstances.

Tickets
 Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.

On the Internet
 MLB.TV
 Gameday Audio
•  Gameday
•  Official game notes

On television
• FS-A

On radio
• KTAR 620, KSUN 1400 (Español)

Up next
• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Diamondbacks (Dan Haren, 6-5, 2.25) at Reds (Bronson Arroyo, 8-6, 5.54), 4:10 p.m. MST
• Wednesday: Diamondbacks (Jon Garland, 4-7, 5.04) at Reds (Johnny Cueto, 7-4, 2.86), 4:10 p.m. MST

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.