6/1/13
Corbin looks to become the first starter in 16 years to go 10-0 before the break Friday night, when the NL West-leading Diamondbacks open a three-game series against Cain and the visiting San Francisco Giants.
Cain (4-3, 5.45 ERA) had his best season last year, setting career bests in wins (16), ERA (2.79) and strikeouts (193). The right-hander was also named the All-Star game starter after going 9-3 with a 2.62 ERA through his first 17 starts.
In his first full major league season, Corbin (9-0, 2.06) has needed only 11 outings to match that win total. As the major league wins leader, Corbin is an early favorite to get the nod in next month's All-Star game at New York's Citi Field.
Before that, he'll try to become the first pitcher to win his first 10 decisions before the break since Roger Clemens won 11 in a row with Toronto in 1997, en route to winning the AL Cy Young.
Corbin, 23, has tied Brandon Webb - the 2006 NL Cy Young winner - for the best start in Diamondbacks' history, set in 2008.
The left-hander's streak continued with some assistance from his offense Sunday, as he allowed four runs and hit two batters in six innings of an 8-4 win over the Chicago Cubs.
"Every start he goes out there he learns," manager Kirk Gibson told the team's official website. "He's becoming a better pitcher. Maybe he gave up some runs those last couple of starts, but he's a better pitcher, I'm telling you that right now. He has a better understanding; (he's) going to be better prepared to work through situations."
Corbin is 2-1 with a 4.45 ERA in five career starts versus the Giants, but he's won both home meetings while yielding three runs in 15 innings.