Brandon McCarthy Pitches Better But is Still Winless

Once again, the Arizona Diamondbacks got the better of the Los Angels Dodgers at Chavez Ravine, thanks to Paul Goldschmidt‘s two-run home run in the top of the 9th inning off of Brandon League.  The 5-3 victory was possible only because the Dodgers have been so inept; they left eight runners on base.  Arizona’s offense was even worse stranding nine guys as they pounded out 11 hits.  The big disappointment for the team and its fans from last night is the fact that Brandon McCarthy is still searching for his first win as a member of the D’backs.

Brandon McCarthy will get his first win before the month of June starts. Image: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Starting his seventh game of the season, McCarthy went 6 and a 1/3 innings allowing three runs on eight hits.  He left the game in favor of Tony Sipp with the score knotted at 3.  It was his best outing of the year, however it was still nothing special.  Nick Punto, of all people accounted for two of the Dodger runs with an RBI double and a solo home run.  Still McCarthy tossed three 1-2-3 innings and had good velocity, frequently hitting 92 on the gun.  Also, the one thing that has stayed consistent with McCarthy during his struggles is his control.  He issued one free pass in the game, the fifth time he has walked one guy or less.  In 40 innings, he has walked only six hitters.

It is only a matter of time, perhaps his next start, when Brandon McCarthy notches his first win of 2013.  Did he pitch well enough to win last night?  It depends on what your definition of “well enough” is.  My answer to that would be no.  But I also will say in each game there has been a steady improvement.   Once the monkey is off his back, don’t be surprised if McCarthy goes on a nice little winning streak.

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