Diamondbacks-Dodgers Series Recap: Oh Split

Sep 19, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher

(17) celebrates with left fielder

(33) and third baseman

(5) after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the Arizona Diamondbacks concluded a 4-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Diamondbacks went into Game 4 today up in the series and the Dodgers needed just one game to clinch the division. Unfortunately, they got it as the two teams ended up tying the series 2-2.

The Diamondbacks started strong in Game 1 with fantastic pitching supported by good defense. Then in Game 2, pitcher Patrick Corbin again could not deliver having to be taken out early after giving up six runs in just two innings. At that point, the Diamondbacks dug such a deep hole that they were unable to escape. It has been unfortunate to see Corbin struggle lately who started the season lights out and rightfully was selected to be on the National League All Star team.

Game 3 was initially looking like it would be another let down, as the Diamondbacks missed on several opportunities to score. The Diamondbacks left the bases loaded three times in the game. Fortunately, by the eighth inning, the Snakes would not let another opportunity slip. There, Chris Owings drew a walk with the bases loaded and later in the inning Adam Eaton hit a two-run single. This gave the Diamondbacks plenty of firepower to win the game 9-4.

Then came Game 4, which was a roller coaster. The Diamondbacks were down 3-0 after pitcher Wade Miley gave up three runs in the top of the third. The Snakes though would bite right back in the bottom of the third by scoring six runs. Unfortunately, the Diamondbacks relief pitchers would give up an additional four runs and the Dodgers would end up winning the game 7-6.

Hanley Ramirez was on fire for the Dodgers. He hit two home runs to drive in four of the Dodger’s seven runs. This just shows that you cannot fall asleep when leading against any team, and especially not against the Dodgers.

What We Learned:
*Is it Dirty when You Keep Pegging Batters? The Dodgers hit a lot of Diamondbacks players during this series. In the span of thirteen innings, Dodgers pitchers hit five batters.
*Pitcher Helping His Team: Opposing pitchers should beware of Wade Miley at the plate. In Game 4, he hit a double deep into left field with two outs to drive in two runs for the Diamondbacks.
*Diamondbacks Are #1: According to ESPN the Magazine 2013 Ultimate Standings, the Diamondbacks were ranked first in all of baseball in fan experience. The standings take into account factors such as fan relations and bang for your buck.

Blown Opportunity:
In Game 4, the Diamondbacks relief effort could not hold on to victory. The relief pitchers gave up four runs.