Even June Keeps Diamondbacks in the Race

Jun 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt looks on in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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In an month where an accumulating amount of games trims the fat among contenders and pretenders, the Dbacks were able to keep pace to the tune of an even record. It was an especially important June for the Diamondbacks as they faced off against each of their National League West rivals.

To be specific, Arizona went 14-14 in June. Against NL West opponents, Arizona went 8-9. Although it’s not the most encouraging sight to let some many divisional games go to waste, Arizona has much to be happy about. Entering June the Dbacks (37-40) are 6 games back of the division leading Dodgers and 4.5 games back of the second wild card position, currently held by the San Francisco Giants.

It was a month in which the pitching let down the Dbacks for the most part. However, it was sporadic masterful performances by a few starters that are sure to create hope, optimism, and intrigue. In a month in which the bullpen further dug itself into incompetence, one reliever stood head and shoulders above the rest. Then there’s the playoff-caliber offense, that just needs some help carrying the load.

Jun 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) celebrates his score with pinch hitter Aaron Hill (2) in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The month began with Arizona staying Phoenix for a week and hosting a couple National League East contingents. After a series victory against Atlanta, the Dbacks had to settle for a series split against the offensively challenged New York Mets.

Then came the most important week of the season so far for Arizona. It was two 3-game road series against 1st place Los Angeles and 2nd place San Francisco. It was a success/failure depending on who was watching on a certain day of the week. Arizona was swept by Los Angeles, continuing their woes against the Dodgers. However, the Dbacks (and their starting pitching) were able to redeem themselves in a sweep of the defending World Champion Giants.

After spending the previous week in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Dbacks head to (more) Southern California. An interleague matchup in Anaheim against the Angels brought the snakes another series split. A quick trip back to Chase Field saw the Dbacks defeat the San Diego Padres in 2 of 3 games.

They returned to the road as they headed for Denver to take on the Colorado Rockies. Arizona was unable to take advantage of Colorado’s faulty pitching and dropped 2 of 3 games. A trip to San Diego produced yet another series loss. The ended the month finally defeating the Dodgers before the bullpen dropped the 2nd game of the 3-game series. July begins with the rubber match.

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