Game #154: Diamondbacks @ Rockies

Chase Anderson RHP, 9-6, 3.70

Jordan Lyles RHP, 6-3, 4.21

Ender Inciarte - LF	Charlie Blackmon - CF
Chris Owings - 2B	Josh Rutledge - SS
A.J. Pollock - CF	Justin Morneau - 1B
Miguel Montero - C	Michael Cuddyer - RF
Mark Trumbo - 1B	Corey Dickerson - LF
Jake Lamb - 3B	Wilin Rosario - C
Cody Ross - RF	Rafael Ynoa - 3B
Didi Gregorius - SS	DJ LeMahieu - 2B
Chase Anderson - RHP	Jordan Lyles - RHP

Last night was the fourth time in 53 games, we had gone into the ninth inning with a lead, and ended up losing the contest there. That may not seem too bad, but if you look at it from the other direction, we have gone into the ninth inning behind 77 times this year, and have won without extras just once. That was the April 23 game at Wrigley Field, where we scored five in the ninth inning and beat the Cubs, 7-5. But I really doubt anyone was surprised by it: Reed didn't have it the day before, so rolling him out there again bordered on the insane, and of course, Vidal Nuno is clearly never going to be allowed to win a game as a Diamondback.

This evening sees Mr. Run Support taking the mound for us: he has received 5.13 runs per game, 45% higher this season than Nuno's figure of 3.55 [and that includes the fount of offense while with the Yankees]. But this will also be Anderson's last outing for the season. He's fine with it, saying, "I have no problem with that. I understand they are protecting me and I am just grateful they are caring for me and my arm. It's an organization that cares for you." Certainly, it's impressive how far he has come, considering he was outside John Sickels' top 20 and John Baragona's top 30 before this season, but is now a serious contender for an Opening Day spot in 2015.

But somehow, I would not be surprised if Vidal Nuno still somehow manages to pick up the loss tonight...