Jul 17, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitching coach Charles Nagy (50) talks to starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (17) during the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Image: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

Question: When is a shutout loss not so terrible?

Answer: Last night’s D-Backs  4-0 defeat to the Reds.

Now, before you get all over me for being (a) delusional or (b) use words that are not suited for this site, consider how the game played out.

First of all, it was a bad pitching matchup for Arizona.  Johnny Cueto facing Trevor Bauer was a complete mismatch from the word go.  Bauer will have his day for sure but he was only making his fourth career Major League start in a park known for being rough on pitchers.  Cueto entered the game 10-5 with an ERA under 2.50.  Right there, the D-Backs were put in a tough spot.  Not helping matters was stranding 12 runners on base.  Getting that many guys on board and not scoring is embarrassing to say the least. 

That is enough of the negative talk.

On to the good stuff.

Cincinnati was forced to use five pitchers.  Five pitchers in a shutout, including closer Aroldis Chapman to get the final out.  Usually when you hold the opposition to zero runs, it is one or two pitchers doing the work.  Chapman and Sean Marshall were used in the 9th inning.  The significance of that?  It is likely that both pitchers will be used only once each during the next two games even if the Reds are leading late in each contest.  As far as all of those wasted opportunities go, you know these things even out.  Balls will miss fielders instead and fly balls will drop.  Don’t be surprised that they have a big first inning, similar to the one they had Monday night.  That means the D-Backs have a chance to salvage a rough beginning to the 2nd half by splitting against one of the best teams in baseball in their building. 

Crazy?  Cockeyed optimist?  Sure.  But if Arizona puts up a five spot tonight, call me a sage.

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The Reds showed some aggressiveness early on in the game, trying to get on the board early against Arizona rookie phenom Trevor Bauer. After a Drew Stubbs walk to start the game, Zach Cozart would reach on an error by shortstop Stephen Drew. With the two base runners aboard, the Reds pulled a double steal to put runners on third and second early on in the game. Stubbs would score on a wild pitch by Bauer, putting the Reds up 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning.

They would add three runs in the bottom of the third inning off of a three-run home run by Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick, extending the lead to 4-0.

Fortunately that would be the only offense Cincinnati would need on the evening, as the D-backs would strand 12 runners on base on the evening, going 0-6 with runners in scoring position. The D-backs out-hit the home team with eight hits to Cincinnati’s five, but that wouldn’t matter in the end.

Johnny Cueto would go six strong innings for the reds, allowing only four hits and no runs through six innings.

Bauer, pitching in his first game in almost two weeks, would allow four runs (three earned), off one hit, and five walks. Positive note for the D-backs is that the Arizona bullpen combined to provide six shutout innings of relief.

Arizona starter Ian Kennedy will take the mound tomorrow in the rubber match of the series.

Demonstrating that inconsistency, the Arizona Diamondbacks lost another game this evening to the Cincinnati Reds 1-0.  Starting pitcher Jon Garland pitched a great game.  Once again though the Diamondbacks offense took the night off.  They had their chances.  None better than the bases loaded opportunity for Felipe Lopez in the seventh inning.  He worked to a full count against Reds reliever Arthur Rhodes before bowing out with a lazy fly ball.

Lazy seemed to be the feeling of the game.  The Dbacks produced several quick innings for Reds starter Johnny Cueto.  Everytime I turned around the Reds were hitting again.  The Dbacks managed just two hits – two!  This on and off again offense is growing tiresome, but what we can you do?  Complaining isn’t changing anything.  I’d have them try anything at this point.  That’s where Impact Gel comes in.  Oh, there are so many things they could try at this point.  A complete blow up of the team is still a great option.  I know it’s one I’ve suggested before, but seriously, they should give it some thought.  I’m falling for the thought.

Oh and by the way, if you are reading this and want to complain that you got to this page because of Impact Gel, go ahead and complain away.  You’re here aren’t you?  If you think it’s “low” or “bad taste” or “God will strike me down”, go ahead and think that too. None of that is true, but it sure makes for a great laugh on my part.  Thank you for reading!

Scott Allen

AZScott