Arizona Diamondbacks Game Recap: Bullpen Tagged in Series Opener

Apr 21, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Chase Anderson (57) throws in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Game Recap:

Chase Anderson is still looking for his first win of the season, after another great outing was spoiled by the bullpen. After allowing a run in the first inning off of a Prince Fielder ground-rule double, Anderson settled in and only allowed one more hit to the Rangers before leaving the game after the 7th inning.

Anderson would finish with one earned run on three hits with five strikeouts and no walks.

The Rangers exploded for four runs in the 8th inning, all off reliever Daniel Hudson (0-1). It all began with a throwing error by third baseman Cliff Pennington that put Jake Smolinski on first. After a walk to Leonys Martin to put runners on first and second, Hudson gave up a single to Elvis Andrus, scoring Smolinski.

With Price Fielder at bat, Martin stole 3rd & Andrus stole 2nd. This induced a throwing error by catcher Tuffy Gosewisch, which allowed Martin to score. Fielder hit a 2-run homer on the next pitch.

The Rangers put two more run on the board in the 9th off of reliever Evan Marshall. The scoring came off of a 2-run single from Leonys Martin.

The Diamondbacks offense never got going, scoring their only run in the 2nd inning when a Nick Ahmed ground out scored Yasmany Tomas from 3rd base.

Texas Rangers starter Nick Martinez kept Arizona’s lineup in check, going six innings and allowing only one earned run off of five hits. He struck out three and walked one before leaving with a no decision. Shawn Tolleson (1-0) picked up the win in relief.

Thoughts and Observations:

Poor Chase Anderson. He has been a stud on the mound this season. Through three games, Anderson has a 3.00 ERA and has struck out 16 while only allowing 4 walks in 18 innings of work. He has been a victim of poor run support. In his three starts, the Diamondbacks are averaging 2.3 runs. At this pace, Anderson better start pitching shutouts if he wants to see anything in his win column.

Post Game Grades:

Next Up:

The Diamondbacks play Texas in the second of their two game series at Chase Field. Archie Bradley faces Yovani Gallardo at 6:40 P.M.