Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks preview: Stuck on number 4

PHOENIX -- The number four looms large for the Dodgers on Tuesday as they battle the Diamondbacks again at Chase Field.

The magic number for the Dodgers to clinch the National League West remains four, the same as it was four days ago.

The Dodgers have lost four straight games, their fourth losing streak of at least four games this season.

Zack Greinke, starting Tuesday for the Dodgers, has allowed all of four total hits to the Diamondbacks this season, in two starts. Greinke hasn't allowed four runs in any two-start span since July 30 - Aug. 5.

Greinke has allowed seven runs in his last seven starts and 16 runs in his last 13 starts, with 12 quality starts and a 1.57 ERA during that span. Dating back to June 22 the Dodgers have won 14 of Greinke's last 16 starts, with the only two losses to the Reds.

Tuesday is the fourth start for Patrick Corbin against the Dodgers this season, and the Diamondbacks have won the previous three, including last Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. The second-year southpaw is 3-1 with a 2.27 ERA in six career games, including five starts, against the Dodgers.

While Tuesday's game features a matchup of a pair of good pitchers, the Dodgers showed on Monday that it might not matter what Greinke does on the mound if they can't score for him.

The Dodgers have been held under four runs for six straight games, but when the offense does manage to score four or more runs they have been nearly unbeatable. The Dodgers are 60-11 when scoring four or more runs this season, an .857 winning percentage. The rest of MLB has a .743 winning percentage when scoring four or more runs.

Maybe Greinke can help in that regard with his fourth hit against the Diamondbacks this season. Greinke, hitting .340/.417/.377 on the year, is 3-for-5 with a walk and a hit by pitch against Arizona.

Game info

Time: 6:40 p.m.

TV: KCAL

MLB Gameday