Jun 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Brandon McCarthy(32) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Diamondbacks started a long three city nine game road trip with a series against the struggling Padres. Unlike last season where the Padres dominated the Snakes, the Dbacks have owned the Padres in 2014, and it continued this past weekend at Petco Park. What is so surprising about this team is how different this team is on the road and at home. The Dbacks record is 35-49, but they are actually over .500 on the road at 20-19. At home this team is 15-30 which is unacceptable.
Game 1: Diamondbacks-2 Padres-1
Brandon McCarthy actually got a win! Now it helps to face the worst offensive team in the Major Leagues in the Padres, but Dbacks Nation has to be excited that McCarthy got a win, because he has deserved better than his current record. You have to wonder if he was trying to impress all the other teams that need starting pitching a midst all of the trade rumors.Both of McCarthy’s wins have come at Petco Park. He tossed seven innings of one run baseball, scattering six hits while striking out seven. He once again didn’t relieve a whole lot of offensive support, but this time it was enough. David Peralta two run single off of Tyson Ross in the fourth inning proved to be the difference.
Game 2: Diamondbacks-3 Padres-1
Another low scoring game at Petco Park, what a surprise right? When you look at Padres starter Eric Stults numbers: a 2-10 record, a 5.49 era, and a 1.54 WHIP, you might expect more from the opposing offense. Not the Snakes. However, they did score enough to win the series. Dbacks catcher Miguel Montero belted a two run home run over the wall in the right for a two run homer proving to be the difference. Collmenter pitched 5.1 innings of one run ball earning the win.
Game 3: Diamondbacks-1 Padres-2
The Diamondbacks were glad to win a series again, but it would have been nice to get the brooms out. Thanks to Odrisamer Despaigne‘s phenomenal start, that didn’t happen. The Cuban right hander making his second start at the big league level threw 6.2 innings of one run baseball. The Snakes offense flattened out and spoiled another great outing by Mike Bolsinger. I think Bolsinger is quietly solidifying himself as a member of the Dbacks rotation long term. Nick Ahmed also made his major league debut on Sunday collecting his first major league hit in the 7th.
The Dbacks have an off day today, and then they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates for a three game series starting Tuesday.