No answers for D-backs as they lose to Pirates in finale

Robbie struggled early with his pitch count and the Pirates took advantage, scoring 3 runs in the 2nd inning off of a couple of singles, a double and a wild pitch strikeout. He settled in after that, despite the high pitch count, throwing 99 pitches in his 6 innings of work. Lots of ifs for Ray in this one, but if he and/or Salty were able to corral that pitch in the dirt, he'd might've lessened the damage in that inning. Oh well, better luck next time.

Zack Godley came on in relief and started out well, allowing a leadoff single that was erased with a double play. The 8th was more difficult for him, with Marte stretching a single into a double. Andrew McCutchen singled to left to put runners on the corners but Godley beared down and got Ramirez to line out and Cervelli to strike out before walking both Kang and Alvarez to give the Pirates a 4-0 lead. He induced a weak line out from Rodriguez to end the threat.

It was a decent performance in Godley's return to the big league club. He was excellent in his first inning but really struggled with his command in the second, as evidenced by him walking in a run. Still, it's nice to see him back with the team after his stunning 3 start debut almost a month ago now.

The offense was absolutely stifled by J.A. Happ in this one, getting 0 runs, 2 walks and 2 hits over his 6 innings. He controlled the zone well all game long, using his fastball and assortment of other pitches to keep the D-backs off balance all game long. The offense led off the 2nd with 2 walks, but Jake Lamb grounded into a double play and Yasmany Tomas grounded out weakly to 1st to end things.

The Pirates bullpen followed and was solid, which is putting things lightly. continuing the work of the starter Happ. Joakim Soria had a clean 7th inning, Tony Watson followed suit with a perfect 8th inning, and with the Pirates leading 4-0, Antonio Bastardo came on in the 9th inning but struggled, allowing a bunt single to Inciarte and walk to Ahmed in front of Goldschmidt to summon closer Melancon, who promptly delivered a single to left, scoring Inciarte from 1st and cut the lead to 4-1. A.J. Pollock struck out for the 1st out of the inning, Jarrod Saltalamacchia followed suit, striking out on a curveball for out #2 and pinch-hitter David Peralta struck out looking to end the game.

Source: FanGraphs

Cool Guy: Paul Goldschmidt (+3.7%)

Dweebs: Everyone else who played in the game

Not much in the way of comments tonight, and I can't blame you for not showing up for this stinker. I somehow led the way with 40 comments. No comment of the thread because of that shameful stat :). Come by tomorrow as the D-backs head to Cincinnati for a series with the Reds.