Likes/Dislikes From the Dbacks vs Padres Series

The Dbacks headed to Southern California in search of a momentum shift, but instead were handed another series loss at the hands of the San Diego Padres. In the three game series, the Dbacks were only able to salvage the last contest. Inconsistencies from various departments in separate games led to another disappointing showing. At 36-39, Arizona is 6 games behind Los Angeles for the division lead and continue to sit at third place in the NL West.

127. 2. 8. Final. 4

Jun 26, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona has a reputation for featuring an above average defense, but the series opener was an exception. The Dbacks defensive futility rang to the tune of 3 errors and handed the Padres an opportunity to take advantage. Arizona also has a reputation for having a top offensive unit. Not on this night. They only mustered two hits. They had more errors than hits.

Paul Goldschmidt was the owner of one of those hits. It was an RBI single with the bases loaded that brought in the only two runs for Arizona. The other hit? It belonged to starting pitcher, Robbie Ray. Although Ray’s ERA stands at 1.98, his record is still a criminal 2-3.

Like: A Fighting Chance From the Back End of the Rotataion

Anderson, De La Rosa and Hellickson have been in the rotation all year and their the front end. Having Ray coming in and giving his ball club a chance to win a game is all that you can ask for from a pitcher slotted at the “4 or 5” position in the rotation.

Dislike: Terrible Defense and Nonexistent Offense

Three errors and two hits in a single game will never get it done at this level. Let’s chalk it up to the Dbacks having an off night, but more performances like these and they can see themselves heading to the cellar fast.

7. 127. 2. 8. Final

Jun 27, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Yasmany Tomas (right) congratulates with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) after Goldschmidt scored during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Back-to-back-to-back doubles in the 3rd by Goldy, David Peralta and Yasmany Tomas was just about all the offensive firepower that Arizona could muster. Double that with a spotty performance by Jeremy Hellickson and the game quickly got out of hand.

While the Padres were able to hang crooked numbers later on in the game, Andrew Cashner shut down Arizona’s efforts to fight back.

Like: Trying New Things

At times, Chip Hale has been accused of lacking consistency when it comes to his lineup. However, rewarding Nick Ahmed for his improved hitting and making him hit lead off was the right move.

Dislike: Owings Getting Comfortable

It’s starting to look more and more like Chis Owings was handed a job at 2nd base at the beginning of the year. At the conclusion of this game, Ahmed actually owned a higher season batting average than Owings. Someone needs to contend with him for that spot.

8. Final. 4. 127. 6

Jun 28, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Chase Anderson (57) pitches during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

A three run homerun by Welington Castillo in the 2nd inning put the Dbacks on top and they refused to lose the lead, no matter how resiliently San Diego pursued. Peralta’s homer in the 3rd and Jake Lamb‘s two run shot in the 6th was all the was needed.

Curiously enough, the Padres also smacked three homeruns off of Chase Anderson. In fact, all the runs scored in the game came off of long balls. Interesting that as Anderson’s ERA rises (to 3.66), so does his win total (4).

Like: Slugging Bombs/Bullpen Delivering Zero’s

Three homeruns in a game seems to be the ammo that the Dbacks should get accustomed to. This team was bred to score runs. The bullpen pitched a combined 6.2 innings in the series and only surrendered 1 earned run (but 8 hits).

Dislike: Anderson Giving Up Bombs

In his previous starts against Colorado, Anderson also surrendered 3 homers (in 4.2 innings). It’s now consecutive games with 3 homers to his name. Never a good trait to inherit as a starter.

Players of the Series

Jake Lamb: 4-for-11, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
David Peralta: 3-for-10, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI

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