Diamondbacks got ran out of town by the Texas Rangers
The Arizona Diamondbacks lost their last 5 games, all of which were at home. They got swept by the Seattle Mariners over the past weekend. Now, they have been swept by the Texas Rangers over a quick 2-game series. The Dbacks played like a team that was over this season. The Rangers played hungry and aggressive. It wasn’t a good series to watch. The team finished their season series 1-3 vs the Rangers. Nonetheless, there were some positives to be had…
Tuesday, 09/07: Texas Rangers 3 Arizona Diamondbacks 1
The Dbacks offense was completely inept to do anything Tuesday night. It was like Nolan Ryan was pitching. Only he was at home on his couch. The team had only 3 hits all night off of Spencer Howard and Jordan Lyles. Pavin Smith hit a triple and scored off a Josh Rojas sacrifice fly.
That was the offense for the evening. The team just couldn’t buy a hit. They only struck out 4 times. The balls just weren’t finding those open spots.
The good news is this: Zac Gallen is BACK. So are the Dbacks at not winning his starts. Zac went 6.2 innings of 8 K’s, 0 walks, 6 hits, and 3 run-ball. He took the loss. Yet, in a season like this, that’s not important. What’s important is to see that Zac had his control, struck out 8, and walked none. He needs to keep carrying these numbers over to the next start.
Caleb Smith had a bounce-back outing as well with 1.1 scoreless innings with a strikeout. Noe Ramirez had a strikeout in his lone inning as well.
Wednesday, 09/08 Texas Rangers 9 Arizona Diamondbacks 5
This game was great until about the 5th inning. Then it got ugly really quick. Luke Weaver was on the bump for this game. His bottom-line stats weren’t great. He had 5 innings pitched and allowed 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and struck out 4. Yet, he sent down the first 9 batters for the Rangers. Then in the fourth, he allowed two triples and gave up three runs. Luckily, that wasn’t too bad. He made it through the 5th flawlessly. He had one big inning, which has been a recurring problem throughout his career, unfortunately. Let’s stay positive about his start though, one that he shouldn’t have been the losing pitcher for.
Jake Faria and Taylor Widener were the culprits for the crime against the Dbacks Wednesday. In 2/3 of an inning, Faria gave up 2 runs, 3 hits, and 1 walk. Sigh. Then, in Widener’s 1/3 of an inning, he gave up a whopping 3 runs. Like, double sigh. One great piece of news is that Brandyn Sittenger made his MLB debut! He pitched a great inning of relief allowing only one walk.
Meanwhile, the Dbacks offense actually had some life! Every player in the starting lineup minus the pitcher got a hit. Henry Ramos got his first MLB start and 2nd hit in his career. Peralta took over 8th place in the all-time home run list for the Diamondbacks with his homer in the 2nd inning. He now has 98 career homers. Walker had a double that drove in Ramos as well.
Walker got his second RBI of the day after driving home Peralta on his single in the 6th inning. Nick Ahmed homered in the 9th for his 5th of the season. Ketel drove in another run during the 9th inning before it ended.
With this loss, the Dbacks still need 7 wins in their final 22 games to avoid the worst record in team history. They are now 45-95. That’s good for second-worst in the MLB.
Venomous bites:
Caleb Smith is awaiting the decision on his appeal for the glove-substance issue. His hearing occurred Tuesday and he pitched last night. There’s been no word yet on if it was overturned or hasn’t been decided yet.
Additionally, some happy news! In case you missed it, Taylor Clarke was optioned to Triple-AAA! I can already see a glimmer of light in the far distance with the bullpen. Tyler Clippard was placed on the Covid-IL due to exhibiting symptoms. Finally, the Dbacks released Seth Frankoff from his contract in Triple-AAA.
As always,
May the Force be with You…