Even June Keeps Diamondbacks in the Race
Jun 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt looks on in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
More from Diamondbacks News
- What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
- Former Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray wins AL CY Young!
- Bannister the bench coach, yet another great hire by the Diamondbacks
- The king of Chase Field should be signed by the Diamondbacks
- The Goat has come to the Diamondbacks to save the day
In an month where an accumulating amount of games trims the fat among contenders and pretenders, the Dbacks were able to keep pace to the tune of an even record. It was an especially important June for the Diamondbacks as they faced off against each of their National League West rivals.
To be specific, Arizona went 14-14 in June. Against NL West opponents, Arizona went 8-9. Although it’s not the most encouraging sight to let some many divisional games go to waste, Arizona has much to be happy about. Entering June the Dbacks (37-40) are 6 games back of the division leading Dodgers and 4.5 games back of the second wild card position, currently held by the San Francisco Giants.
It was a month in which the pitching let down the Dbacks for the most part. However, it was sporadic masterful performances by a few starters that are sure to create hope, optimism, and intrigue. In a month in which the bullpen further dug itself into incompetence, one reliever stood head and shoulders above the rest. Then there’s the playoff-caliber offense, that just needs some help carrying the load.
Jun 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) celebrates his score with pinch hitter Aaron Hill (2) in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The month began with Arizona staying Phoenix for a week and hosting a couple National League East contingents. After a series victory against Atlanta, the Dbacks had to settle for a series split against the offensively challenged New York Mets.
Then came the most important week of the season so far for Arizona. It was two 3-game road series against 1st place Los Angeles and 2nd place San Francisco. It was a success/failure depending on who was watching on a certain day of the week. Arizona was swept by Los Angeles, continuing their woes against the Dodgers. However, the Dbacks (and their starting pitching) were able to redeem themselves in a sweep of the defending World Champion Giants.
After spending the previous week in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Dbacks head to (more) Southern California. An interleague matchup in Anaheim against the Angels brought the snakes another series split. A quick trip back to Chase Field saw the Dbacks defeat the San Diego Padres in 2 of 3 games.
They returned to the road as they headed for Denver to take on the Colorado Rockies. Arizona was unable to take advantage of Colorado’s faulty pitching and dropped 2 of 3 games. A trip to San Diego produced yet another series loss. The ended the month finally defeating the Dodgers before the bullpen dropped the 2nd game of the 3-game series. July begins with the rubber match.
Next: It's Goldy's World, We're Just Living In It
Players of the Month
Jun 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt reacts in the dugout in the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Braves 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
A regular when it comes to handing out theoretical awards here at Venom Strikes, Goldy had another elite month. Although the power numbers weren’t as gaudy (5 HR/5 2B), he still drove in more runs than any other Dbacks player this month (22). His 34 hits and 16 runs also led the ball club this month.
Goldy was walked 24 times in June, leading the majors. Goldy’s 1.042 OPS was the highest of any Arizona player in June. Goldschmidt’s finest performance of the month was his 4-for-5 effort against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 10th. There he scored scored twice, hit a double, homerun, and drove in two runs. Of the 28 games Goldy played in June, he failed to reach base in ONE of them. After that game, he started his current 11-game hitting streak.
Jun 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Yasmany Tomas celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
When you take a look around the National League rookie landscape, Joc Pederson leads with homeruns, Kris Bryant leads with RBI, and Tomas leads in batting average. Tomas’ 28 hits and 5 doubles ranked 2nd among the Dbacks in June. Tomas hit .311 in June to settle his season average to .316. In his first three months in the MLB, Tomas hasn’t registered below .310 in each of them.
Tomas’ power stroke has reared its head in a way. Tomas has hit three homers and all against the Los Angeles squads (2 vs Dodgers, 1 vs Angels). Tomas now as 4 homers on the season. Tomas, like Goldy, also produced a 4 hit game. It came against Colorado and he scored on two occasions while knocking a double. In a weaker rookie class, Tomas would easily be the talk of the MLB town.
Jun 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Brad Ziegler (29) and Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (8) celebrate the win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Isn’t he amazing? The sole reason that the Dbacks bullpen isn’t an absolute dumpster fire has been Ziegler. Although it’s difficult to measure a reliever’s worth, that is not the case with Ziegler. A season ERA of 1.32 is all that really needs to be said. On the season, Arizona’ bullpen has registered a 3.83 ERA, good for 13th in the NL. The bullpen leads the NL in losses and has given up the 2nd most runs in the NL.
Ziegler isn’t part of that mess. In June, Ziegler made 11 appearances and only surrendered 1 run (0.82 ERA). Ziegler converted on all 9 save opportunities. Towards the end of June, Ziegler also started to appear in games that weren’t save situations, a clear indication in the distrust in the rest of the bullpen. Ironically, the Dbacks led the NL with 12 saves in June. (Chafin, Hudson and Reed also collected one)
More from Venom Strikes
- Happy Thanksgiving Diamondbacks Fans! We have lots to be thankful for!
- The perfect holiday gifts for the Arizona Diamondbacks fan
- Diamondbacks make some BIG 40-man roster Moves
- About time! Diamondbacks to now provide housing for Minor League players
- What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?