Diamondbacks Swept Away in St Louis

Wade Miley couldn’t hold a two-run lead as the D’backs lost 4-2, getting swept by the Cardinals. Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The good feelings we enjoyed the first two weeks of this month are now gone.  The Arizona Diamondbacks lost 4-2 Thursday evening, getting swept in the process by the St. Louis Cardinals. Once again, the team failed to hold a two-run lead, the ninth time this has happened. Finally, the stat the the D’backs lead all of Major League Baseball in: blown two-run leads or more.

In order to squander that many leads, you first have to score early. Arizona did not disappoint there as Paul Goldschmidt drove in Gerardo Parra with a single and then Aaron Hill‘s sacrifice fly plated Martin Prado for a 2-0, first inning lead. Wade Miley cruised through five innings before hitting turbulence in the sixth. As was the theme all series, the Cars scored their runs with two outs. Shane Robinson‘s double scored Allen Craig and Jhonny Peralta to tie the game at 2. In the seventh, Miley got two outs before again sputtering. Matt Holliday walked, bringing out Kirk Gibson. Although the lefty was tired and Randall Delgado was ready to go, Gibby placed his faith in Miley. The move backfired as Craig doubled into the gap scoring Holliday with the tie-breaking run. The Cards tacked on another run in the eighth and Trevor Rosenthal shut the door in the ninth to complete the sweep.

Gibby is taking some heat for leaving Miley out there. That situation was ready-made for Evan Marshall but he was unavailable after going two innings the prior game. I’m not sure why Brad Ziegler wasn’t the call but that’s another story. Given the circumstances, I think the Gibson made the right decision. I’d take my chances with Miley in that spot than bring in Delgado who has given 29 hits and 15 walks in only 23 2/3 innings. In any event, the loss drops the D’backs to 18-31.

It’s off to New York for the Snakes as they open a three game series with the Mets beginning Friday night. Chase Anderson goes for the D’backs while New York counters with Bartolo Colon. First pitch is set for 4:10 PM MST.