Urgency builds as Diamondbacks open critical stretch starting in Anaheim

Arizona enters the series looking to bounce back after a tight loss to San Diego on Thursday night. The D-backs have been solid on the road this year and will rely on the stars led by Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll to set the tone early against a left-handed starter.

Friday night mound matchups:

Ryne Nelson enters Friday night’s matchup a 3.39 ERA and has quietly become one of Arizona’s most reliable arms. The 26-year-old has allowed two earned runs or fewer in his last five outings and continues to pitch deep into games with improved command. His ability to limit walks and induce soft contact has helped steady the D-Backs rotation during a crucial stretch of the season.

The Angels are countering with Tyler Anderson on Friday. Anderson has a 2-6 record with a 4.19 ERA on the season. In Anderson’s last outing, he allowed three earned runs on eight hits in five innings of work against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Los Angeles comes into the matchup having lost five out of its last seven games. The Angels have struggled at the plate this season, which could play in Nelson’s favor. The first pitch at Angel Stadium is scheduled for 6:38 p.m. PT and will be available to watch tonight on Apple TV+.