The Arizona Diamondbacks wrap up their series against the Texas Rangers on Sunday, September 13, at Chase Field, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 PM ET. Eduardo Rodriguez gets the ball for Arizona, squaring off against Cal Quantrill in a matchup that carries genuine regular season weight for both clubs. Whether you are watching on DBACKS.TV or listening on ESPN 620 AM, this one is worth your full attention as September baseball heats up in the desert.
Pitching Matchup: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Cal Quantrill
Eduardo Rodriguez gets the start for the Diamondbacks, and all eyes will be on how he commands the zone and manages a Texas lineup that can grind out at-bats. Rodriguez has the repertoire to keep hitters off-balance, and Chase Field's roof and climate-controlled environment could be a factor in a September start where comfort means everything for a pitcher trying to locate his secondary stuff.
Cal Quantrill takes the mound for Texas. Quantrill is a pitcher who works quickly, attacks hitters with a sinker-heavy approach, and does his damage by generating weak contact early in counts. Arizona's lineup will need to be disciplined and ready to fight off those early-count offerings if they want to string together productive innings against him.
Keys to Watch for the Diamondbacks
- Plate discipline against Quantrill: Quantrill lives on inducing early contact. The Diamondbacks will need to work counts and avoid chasing his offerings down in the zone to generate traffic on the bases.
- Rodriguez's pitch mix and command: Arizona's success on the mound starts with Rodriguez establishing his fastball and then keeping the Rangers off his secondary pitches. Clean, efficient innings early will be critical.
- Bullpen management: In a September start, the D-backs coaching staff will be watching Rodriguez's pitch count closely and should have multiple reliable arms ready to bridge into the late innings if needed.
- Capitalizing at Chase Field: Home crowds in September carry energy, and the Diamondbacks have a chance to use that momentum. Arizona needs to take care of business in front of their fans.
Prediction
This is a game that figures to be decided by pitching efficiency and which offense can break through first. Rodriguez has the ability to give the Diamondbacks a quality start if his command is sharp, and the Texas lineup, while dangerous, is not a group that will automatically solve a left-hander with a varied arsenal. Quantrill will keep Arizona honest, but if the D-backs lineup stays patient and strings together a couple of big innings, Chase Field should be a good place to be on this Sunday afternoon. Give the edge to Arizona at home — Diamondbacks win, 4-2.
