Snake Bytes 9/19: Marine Layer

Padres 4, Diamondbacks 2

[D’backs.com] D-backs can't pick up Corbin, fall to Padres - Patrick Corbin struggled against the Padres again early in the game. After getting the first two outs in the 1st inning rather quickly, Corbin allowed a ground rule double to Wil Myers, a walk to Yangervis Solarte, and finally a 3 run shot to Hunter Renfroe. Patrick would settle in after that rough 1st inning with his only other earned run surrendered in the game being a solo shot by Austin Hedges. Patrick was pulled after the 5th inning throwing only 81 pitches. He allowed 4 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts.

[Arizona Sports] Diamondbacks drop series opener to Padres in San Diego - The offense continued to struggle on the road tallying only 5 hits in the game and 6 walks while leaving 9 men on base. Arizona had plenty of opportunities to tie the game or take the lead, but the big hits eluded the team all evening. Paul Goldschmidt went 0-5, and David Peralta was pulled from the game early with hamstring tightness.

"I felt like we built some innings and we had some good situations where the right guys were up at the right time, but we just didn't execute," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said.

Diamondbacks News

[D’backs.com] J.D. first 4-time Player of Week in same season - The Player of the Week award has been around since 1974, but J.D. Martinez is the first player to win the award 4 times in 1 season. Martinez won the award in the American League twice with the Detroit Tigers earlier this season, and for the 2nd week in a row with the Diamondbacks. For now all that matters to Martinez is a successful postseason run.

"It's definitely an honor, definitely cool," Martinez said. "But it's something right now that I'm not really thinking about. I'm kind of just worried about this series and our playoff run right now. They're definitely humbling, awesome accolades to achieve, but right now our goal is the playoffs. That's what I want. I want you to be interviewing me about how it feels to win a World Series."

[MLB.com] Goldschmidt a beacon of endurance - It is difficult to comprehend Paul Goldschmidt and “out of today’s lineup” in the same sentence for Arizona fans. Goldy has the tools to remain a successful player for years to come because of his style of play and his preparation for the game in every moment. He is one of the most well rounded and fundamentally sound players in the game from a compact and quick swing at the plate to effective route running around the bases that could rival a wide receiver on the football field. He has put up arguably the best season of his career after a down season by his standards last year.

"He understands percentages and when he's going to have the ability to get off on the at-bat real quick, he takes advantage of it," said D-backs manager Torey Lovullo. "There's a method to what he's doing. I know that for sure. He has a strategy for just about everything he's doing. I think he's paying attention to a lot of things that are enabling him to do that."

[AZ Central] Arizona Diamondbacks' 2017 starting rotation may be the best in franchise history - Cannot really argue against Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling as the most dominant 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation in franchise history, but from #1 through #5 the 2017 rotation is arguably the best from top to bottom. Patrick Corbin, Taijuan Walker, and Zack Godley have all gone through their struggles this season but none appear to be a sure loss on games one of them starts.

Around the League

[ESPN] Orioles minor leaguer Miguel Gonzalez dies in car crash - Another tragic and fatal car accident in the Dominican Republic involving a player. Baltimore Orioles minor leaguer Miguel Gonzalez died after his vehicle was struck on the driver side by a truck. Gonzalez was only 21 years old. Ketel Marte lost his mother in a motor vehicle accident earlier this season in the Dominican Republic as well.

"Our organization is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Miguel Gonzalez," executive vice president Dan Duquette said in a statement. "Miguel was beloved by his teammates and coaches in the Dominican Republic. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time."

[ESPN] Power Rankings: As Cubs take charge, their rivals regroup - Failing to produce against the Padres resulted in the Diamondbacks dropping from the top 5 down to #7 in ESPN’s list. Bleacher Report surprisingly keeps Arizona at #3. Fanrag does not move the team out of the #5 spot.

[Sports Illustrated] Josh Reddick Celebrated the Astros Winning the AL West In an American Flag Speedo - No, Jim, you are not allowed to parade around in the flag of your native land once the Diamondbacks clinch a playoff berth thank you very much. I hope that poor flag was retired after such a desecration. Apollo Creed would be mortified. Rumor has it Betsy Ross originally intended the use of her creation by soldiers in a similar fashoin after victories on the battlefield.

[CBS Sports] 2017 MLB season might not feature a 20-win pitcher for first time in nearly 10 years - With Clayton Kershaw surrendering the first grand slam of his career and failing to secure a win on Monday night, this will only be the 6th season in history without a 20 game winner according to CBS Sports. This is the 1st time since 2009 and only the 3rd time in a non-strike shortened season.

[New York Post] Son of MLB’s one-time home run king relishes Stanton’s moment - Giancarlo Stanton has cooled off from his torrid August pace, but there is still a chance that he can eclipse Roger Maris’ mark of 61 home runs before the regular season ends. Stanton hit number 55 last night, so if he goes on another tear this week there is a chance he can accomplish that at Chase this weekend. Regardless of if you feel the true record is 61 or 73, Stanton’s impressive 2nd half deserves respect in its own right.