:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54402319/668851258.0.jpg)
The first two games of this weekend series against the Diamondbacks have been a nightmare for the Dodgers, whose pitching staff is nearing a record for futility in the desert.
This is the 20th season the Diamondbacks have existed as a franchise, and through just two games of this series the Dodgers’ 24 runs allowed rank as the fifth-most they have ever allowed in a series — of any length — at Chase Field.
Most Dodgers runs allowed in Arizona
| Dates | G | Runs | R/G | W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | G | Runs | R/G | W |
| May 24-26, 2002 | 3 | 29 | 9.7 | 1 |
| May 8-10, 2000 | 3 | 28 | 9.3 | 0 |
| June 4-7, 2001 | 4 | 26 | 6.5 | 2 |
| April 12-15, 1999 | 4 | 26 | 6.5 | 1 |
| April 21-23, 2017* | 2 | 24 | 12.0 | 0 |
| May 16-18, 2014 | 3 | 23 | 7.7 | 1 |
| April 7-9, 2008 | 3 | 23 | 7.7 | 0 |
| April 8-10, 2005 | 3 | 22 | 7.3 | 2 |
Two of the four series in which the Dodgers allowed more runs were four-game sets, at 26 runs apiece. The worst series for the team in Phoenix — by runs allowed — came May 24-26, 2002, when the Dodgers allowed 10, five, and 14 runs in the three games. The Dodgers won the middle game of that series 10-5, and scored 22 runs themselves during the series.
The Dodgers have allowed double-digit runs in consecutive games at Chase Field for the first time since May 8-9, 2000. Actually, the current streak is three games long, as the Dodgers allowed 10 runs in a loss in their final game in Phoenix last year, on Sept. 18.
Brandon McCarthy gets the start for the Dodgers on Sunday, trying to turn off that run-allowing faucet, or at the very least slow down the flow before the sink overflows and someone has to call a plumber.
McCarthy struck out a season-high eight against the Diamondbacks on Monday, and got a no-decision, allowing two runs in five innings.
Notes
Shelby Miller starts for the Diamondbacks, with a 3.50 ERA and 2.90 FIP through three starts after a disastrous 6.15 ERA and 4.87 FIP in 20 starts in 2016.
The Dodgers are 2-6 on the road in 2017, and have dropped their first three road series of the season for the first time since 2010, when they lost their first five series away from home, a 4-11 away start that led to a 35-46 road record on the season.
Arizona is 8-1 at Chase Field, their best home start ever.
Game info
Time: 1:10 p.m. PT
TV: SportsNet LA, KTLA