4 Things About the Diamondbacks’ 14 inning Victory
By Thomas Lynch
Joe Thatcher saved the game Tuesday night. Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
It would be impossible to go into every detail about the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 9-8, 14 inning victory over the Cleveland Indians Tuesday night. It ended on a single by Aaron Hill over a drawn-in outfield after 5 hours and 32 minutes, tied for the longest game in Chase Field history. Also notable were the efforts by Ender Inciarte and Gerardo Parra who went a combined 9 for 14 with four runs scored and two RBI’s. There were four main points to take away from last night’s fireworks.
Wade Miley wasn’t very good…again. Out of all the disappointments on the Snakes this season, the struggles of Miley might be the biggest one. After a great rookie season and a solid encore, the 27-year old lefty is struggling mightily in 2014 with a record of 3-6 and a 4.78 ERA. After a nice effort in his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers, Miley again turned in a poor one, lasting only four innings (leaving with the bases loaded and no outs in the fifth) and giving up four earned runs on eight hits. He was counted on to be the ace in the absence of Patrick Corbin but has only regressed so far.
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Joe Thatcher had the pitching performance of the night. The 32-year old lefty has quietly put together an acceptable performance in 2014 after a poor beginning to his D’backs’ career. Tuesday was his shining effort with the club. With the Tribe leading 5-4 and threatening to blow the game open in the fifth inning, Thatcher came in to salvage the mess left behind by Miley. He proceeded to strike out Yan Gomes and retire Lonnie Chisenhall and Ryan Raburn on infield popups to escape further damage. It allowed the Snakes to tie and then later take a short-lived lead.
Addison Reed makes everyone nervous. His numbers say 17 saves in 20 opportunities. Yet, it seems as though Reed has never retired the side in order in any of 33 appearances. He blew a lead Tuesday the D’backs fought so hard to attain. He has given up an average of a hit an inning with an ERA of 4.18. Those numbers are not that of top-flight closer and while he has done a better job than most Arizona relievers in 2013, they are not good enough.
Didi Gregorius made a throw for the ages. In case you missed it, Gregorius made a throw in the 13th inning that has to be seen to believe. In fact, you can see it right here. Jason Kipnis tried for an inside-the-park home run with two outs and may have just done it. However, Gregorius made such a throw that in fact, Kipnis ended being tagged out by about three feet. The throw made up for an error Gregorius made in the third inning.