Diamondbacks-Padres Recap: Great Start, Rough Finish

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Last night, the Arizona Diamondbacks concluded its three-game series with the San Diego Padres. The D-Backs won the first two games after falling to the Padres in Game 3.

The Snakes opened the series featured struggling starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy. He came into the game with a 2-8 record and a 5.44 ERA. McCarthy pitched his best game of the season and actually looked very good on the mound. He went seven innings and only gave up five hits and one unearned run. Watching McCarthy pitch, it actually shocks me that he has performed so poorly. He has a very nice looking slider that gets some good movement with the ball. The only criticism I have for him is that he has a soft fastball, typically reaching only the high 80s.

In Game 2, the Diamondbacks featured a pitcher straight from the minor leagues: David Holmberg. Unfortunately, his transition to the majors was rocky. He struggled to find the zone and was taken out before the end of the fourth inning. Nonetheless, because of some fantastic defensive plays by the Diamondbacks and the relief work by Josh Collmenter, the Diamondbacks pulled through with the win.

In Game 3, the Diamondbacks gave all-star Paul Goldschmidt the day off. His absence was missed as the Diamondbacks batters struggled mightily at the plate. The Diamondbacks ended up losing this game 5-1.

What We Learned:
In Game 1, the Diamondbacks bench got a chuckle from watching reliever Eury De La Rosa take his first major league at bat. De La Rosa made a great first attempt at the plate, he was able to connect and hit the ball into right field (unfortunately caught for an out). When the ball was hit into the outfield, the surprised face on hitting coach Don Baylor was priceless.

Blown Opportunity:
It is hard to say there was any “blown opportunity” in this series considering that the Diamondbacks ultimately won the series 2-1. However, they were hoping to get the sweep. Although the Diamondbacks only scored one run all game, the game was well within reach until reliever Heath Bell came in the top of the 8th to relieve Wade Miley. Bell managed to give up four hits and three earned runs. Two of those four hits were home runs–the only home runs of the entire game.

The Diamondbacks get the day off today before they face off against the San Francisco Giants on Friday.