Dbacks Drop Closely Contested Series in Atlanta
By Guillermo Salcido
The Dbacks and Braves engaged in a hard fought series that featured no shortage of competitive baseball. After the weekend was over, the Dbacks were unfortunately charged with two losses (albeit both being one run losses). The Arizona offense went cold, with the exception of the middle game, which was also their lone victory. It was a mixed bag that featured good and bad signs in all (offense, starting pitching, defense, bullpen) aspects of their game.
Aug 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
17. 2. 8. Final. 3
W: Julio Teheran (8-6) L: Robbie Ray (3-8) S: Arodys Vizcaino (3)
The Dbacks trip to Turner Field didn’t get off to a good start. In the opener, the Dbacks were overpowered by Teheran and struck out a total of 10 times during the game. They were only able to score twice, with Ender Inciarte representing both runs. Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock collected an RBI each. On the other end of the spectrum, Welington Castillo and Jake Lamb struck out three times, each.
With the every passing start, the mystique of Robbie Ray only grows duller and this night was no exception. For the third straight time, Ray was credited with a loss. He’s dropped four of his last five appearances and seven of his last eight decisions. The month of August has been especially brutal as he’s registered a 5.87 ERA during the dog days. Ray and Jeremy Hellickson now co-own the “lead” for most losses among Dbacks pitchers with eight.
Aug 15, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Patrick Corbin (46) throws the ball against the Atlanta Braves batter in the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
17. 8. 8. Final. 4
W: Patrick Corbin (3-3) L: Mike Foltynewicz (4-4)
Saturday’s contest offered a much more potent Arizona offense, starting off in the 1st inning. After a Pollock double, the red hot David Peralta drove him in to put the Dbacks on top quickly. A few innings later and Peralta launched his 12th homer of the season. One inning and a sacrifice fly later, and Peralta had himself a three RBI game. Peralta, Lamb, Pollock and Goldy all had multi hit games, with the latter also collecting a multi RBI game.
On the bump, Corbin was magnificent. The road to redemption was on cruise control this past Saturday. The lefty went 6 2/3 innings and struck out eight. Corbin only surrendered three hits, although he did walk three. The 26-year old now has quality starts in 4 of his last 5 appearances. His last start of 6 2/3 innings is his 2nd longest since returning from Tommy John. Rookie Keith Hessler ate three runs in his 4th MLB appearance.
Aug 16, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Rubby De La Rosa (12) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
2. 17. 1. 8. Final
W: David Aardsma (1-1) L: David Hernandez (0-3)
This game garnered a bit of national spotlight due to Atlanta starter Shelby Miller no-hitting the Dbacks through 7 innings. It was finally Nick Ahmed who broke up the no hitter in the 8th, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia following up with another hit. The Dbacks were able to tie the game and force extra innings but it was a Cameron Maybin walk off homer that depressed the Dbacks hopes.
Rubby De La Rosa’s productive start went to waste due to an absence of bats. He pitched seven innings while only allowing one run. Although he did surrender seven hits and four walks, he was able to manage his way out of trouble and keep his club in the game. That’s all you can ask for from a pitcher who’s dueling against a no hit bid. More groans can be heard from the Dbacks faithful as it was Hernandez that have up the deciding homer.
Players of the Series
David Peralta
- 3-for-9, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 HR, 3 RBI
Patrick Corbin
- W, 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K