The Dbacks couldn’t buy a win in the city of money as they also failed the Giants
The Diamondbacks had a double-pronged approach to this series. Not only to beat the Dodgers because it’s fun but also to help the Giants with their quest to unseat the Dodgers’ reign over the NL West. Unfortunately for everyone, the Dbacks failed that quest. They failed to get revenge in their final trip to the “city of Angels”
The Dbacks are now 1 loss away from the 100-mark. Ouch. They still need 5 more wins to avoid the worst record in team history. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are 2.5 games behind the Giants for first place and clinched a playoff berth with their record of 94-53. The Dbacks are 47-99.
A 100-loss season is guaranteed for the Dbacks. This will be the team’s first 100-loss season 2004. I wonder if announcer Bob Brenly is having flashbacks to that miserable season.
The Diamondbacks came into Hollywood on a high note by winning their first road series since April after taking 2/3 from the Seattle Mariners.
Monday, Sept 13th, Dodgers: 5 Dbacks: 1
The Diamondbacks were completely controlled by Clayton Kershaw in his first start back from injury. Kershaw only went 4.1 innings and gave up one run while striking out five hitters. Meanwhile, Zac Gallen gave his best effort by going 5.1 innings and allowing only four runs. He walked three and struck out four. It wasn’t his worst night or best. However, it’s one that the Dbacks could’ve won had their bats been going.
Instead, the team only had 6 hits on the evening. Rojas had 2 hits and Ketel and Andrew Young both doubled. Other than that, it was a rather apathetic night. The nice news is that the bullpen only gave up one run in 2.2 innings. I know, it’s not all that awesome you’re happy about the bullpen only giving up 1 run in 2.2 innings. Yet, the little things matter right?
Tuesday, Sept 14th, Dodgers: 8 Diamondbacks: 4
Well, the Diamondbacks offense had some spirits tonight. Ketel Marte had a deep 3-run home run to make the game close. Peralta had a double. Seth Beer made his first-ever fielding position start tonight at first base. Alas, he made a diving play and dislocated his shoulder.
No joke, this team might have an injury curse over them. Beer makes his first-ever start in the field and the first inning, he dislocates his shoulder. Man. I can’t even make this up. Thankfully, he’s said to have full-motion in his shoulder so we might’ve dodged a bullet, hopefully.
Luke “Sky”-Weaver made his third start Tuesday after being activated from the injured list. He continued his run of strong starts since being activated. He went 4 innings with only 3 earned runs allowed, 1 walk, and 4 K’s. Yes, four innings aren’t much, but it could’ve been way worse against that loaded lineup for the Empire.
The story is old, but it’s not over yet. The bullpen stunk. The Dbacks got it to 5-4 at the bottom of the 7th. The team had the momentum. It looked like we might be able to come back. The bullpen had other ideas. In 2.2 innings between Jake Faria and Brett De Gues, they combined to give up 4 runs and extend the LA lead to 8-4. With that, the team ended up losing the game and the series.
He’s Back! Wednesday, Sept 15th, Dodgers: 5 Diamondbacks: 3
He made his return to the mound Wednesday night! Merrill Kelly finally got activated off the Covid-IL. I’m so thankful he is back. Merrill pitched like he hadn’t pitched in the Majors for almost a month. He was rusty but managed to work through 4.2 innings. He gave up 10 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and 1 strikeout. He will do better next time.
It’s okay Merrill, the team still could’ve won. However, the starting rotation didn’t pitch near enough for the exhausted bullpen. The bullpen only gave up one run through the rest of the game. That’s great!
Christian Walker had a multi-hit game, including a massive solo HR. Henry Ramos had two RBIs to increase his total to 6 in only 7-8 games of his career. The offense had chances to get something going, but just never could.
The Dodgers’ Julio Urias and others were able to stop the Serpientes from doing anything. Sadly, the Diamondbacks were swept by the Dodgers. The Diamondbacks head to Houston to take on Zack Greinke and the Astros. It’ll be nice to see him again.
Alas, this won’t be the final time Arizona faces the Dodgers. It is the last time they play in Los Angeles until next year. Los Angeles will be back at Chase Field in a few weeks. Hopefully, the Snakes can help the Giants stay in the lead of the NL West then.
As always,
May the Force be with You…