Aug 13, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Andrew Chafin (40) delivers in the first inning of game two against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Thanks to rain that hit the Cleveland area on Tuesday, the Diamondbacks and Indians played a traditional day night doubleheader on Wednesday. Just as I predicted, the Diamondbacks earned a split losing the first game and winning the second.
In game 1, Dbacks left hander Vidal Nuno once again turned in a solid outing, but didn’t get a whole lot of run support. Zach Walters hit a walkoff homer in the ninth inning and the Tribe defeated the Snakes 3-2. Former Dback Trevor Bauer started for the Indians and stifled his former teammates. He allowed just 2 runs on four hits in 8 innings earning a no-decision. He threw a lot of first pitch fastballs and mixed his stuff effectively. Bauer’s stuff has never been as good as it was in game 1.
In game 2, the Diamondbacks earned a split thanks to a Tuffy Gosewisch RBI single in 12th inning that gave the Snakes a 1-0 victory to close out the short inter-league series. The real story of this game was Andrew Chafin‘s dazzling big league debut. He gave up just three hits in five scoreless innings. For his first big league start, he was really impressive. He induced 10 ground ball outs including a double play to end the fifth. Chafin grew up just 45 minutes from the Cleveland area, and had his whole family in attendance. It couldn’t have been any better for him.
He was sent back down to Double-A after the game so he could pitch more innings. He was called up because of the double header. Kirk Gibson told the media in his postgame press conference that Chafin will likely be back up with the team in September. Based on his performance, he looks like a solid peice for the future of this team. Arizona also selected the contract of relief pitcher Bradin Hagens. He will be asked to eat innings for a depleted bullpen.
The Diamondbacks continue their roadtrip this afternoon when they begin a four game series with the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Chase Anderson goes up against former Diamondback Brad Penny who is making his Marlins Park debut. The game begins at 4:10 MST.