Arizona Diamondbacks: Two Takeaways from 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians

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Apr 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks base runner Jake Lamb celebrates after scoring a run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Diamondbacks broke out brooms on Sunday afternoon, and swept the Cleveland Indians with a 3-2 victory at Chase Field

The Arizona Diamondbacks broke a couple of trends they had set in the first six games. They actually scored first and played with the lead for the whole game. In addition, the offense cooled off slightly.

In addition, the offense cooled off slightly. Arizona came into the Sunday matinee averaging 7.3 runs per game. They scored three runs, but the pitchers led the way.

Any team that hopes to play in October has to win all kinds of games. The offense will not always score a lot of runs. Sometimes great pitching and defense are needed to win close games. The Diamondbacks actually were 22-17 in one-run games last season, but they finished 12-23 in two-run games.

One big difference from last season is the bullpen’s ability to pitch well in high-leverage situations and out of trouble. In 2016, Arizona relievers recorded 69 holds, the sixth-fewest in baseball. So far this season, the relievers have combined for seven holds, tied for the second-most in the majors with the Minnesota Twins.

Diamondbacks relievers have a 3.70 ERA in 24.1 IP, but they have a 1.65 ERA in their past five games counting Sunday. This year, the Snakes have a versatile relief core. Some guys can switch between different roles; the best example of this so far has been Archie Bradley.

Fernando Rodney earned the save on Sunday, but Archie Bradley saved the game in the seventh and eighth games.

Before the team begins its first road trip of the new season, here are three takeaways from another Diamondbacks win.