Arizona Diamondbacks win third straight game behind Walker, two homeruns
The Arizona Diamondbacks have won five of their last six games with three consecutive wins.
The Arizona Diamondbacks continued their recent hot streak behind Taijuan Walker, who got back into the win column, to defeat the San Francisco Giants 2-1.
Walker previously hadn’t earned a win since June 21, for 10 straight starts. But, in a 6.1 inning performance, Walker returned to the win column against Madison Bumgarner.
Known as “Tai-Weezy” during Players Weekend, Walker retired the first 11 batters he faced, but gave up a solo home run to Jarrett Parker in the fourth inning. It was the only run Walker allowed on four total hits, two to Parker.
It wasn’t perfect, but Walker earned three strikeouts and is back in the win column. He is now the fourth straight Diamondbacks’ starter to earn the win. The rotation could not get their strength and command back at a better time.
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All of the runs in the game came via the long ball. A.J. Pollock got the offense started with a solo shot in the bottom of the first, while Parker tied the game in the fourth. But, J.D. “Flaco” Martinez wouldn’t allow it to remain tied for long. Martinez hit a solo shot to take the lead in the bottom of the fourth.
The Diamondbacks bullpen also reared its near-perfect head again.
Andrew Chafin relieved Walker in the seventh with one on and one out. He gave up a single, but got the next two outs to end the inning.
David “DHern” Hernandez faced three batters and retired all three to retire the side in the eighth inning.
Archie “Hollywood” Bradley did not make an appearance, despite being the go-to set-up guy for Fernando “Benjamin” Rodney’s save when the team has the lead. Bradley pitched three innings in the last two games straight and earned a day of rest.
Rodney retired the side in the ninth, striking out two batters. He has now pitched in five of the teams last six games.
The save on Saturday night was Rodney’s 32nd of the season, third in a row and fifth in the last six games.
Arizona Diamondbacks start homestand against San Francisco Giants
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If the team hopes to give him rest, the offense will have to provide more run support as they look for the series sweep on Sunday. Zack Greinke will take the mound against Chris Stratton.