Arizona Diamondbacks 6, Colorado Rockies 15: Iannetta is not our friend

Record: 3-6. Change in 2017: -1.

Jake Lamb hit a grand-slam! Wooo! If you’re looking for positives from this afternoon’s game... there’s that. Indeed, offensive, this afternoon’s performance was one of the better ones lately, as we had 12 hits in total. Michael Perez had a solo home-run in the ninth, there were two hits apiece for David Peralta and A.J. Pollock, while Paul Goldschmidt reached base three times, on a hit and a pair of walks. Jarrod Dyson made his Diamondbacks’ debut, grounding out in the second and singling in the third. However, there was no chance of seeing him on the base-paths, as he was immediately replaced by a pinch-runner. No cause for concern, just Torey Lovullo being super cautious for Dyson’s first outing.

But the pitching... Hoo-boy. Those of a nervous disposition should probably close the SnakePit now, and find something less upsetting to look at instead. Kittens would be my suggestion. About the main comfort is that very few of today’s pitchers have a real shot at an Opening Day roster spot. Indeed, there’s a significant chance that none of the pitchers who allowed runs this afternoon will take the mound this season for the D-backs. Rule 5 pick Albert Suarez got the start, with Zack Greinke getting his work in on a back-field, away from divisional rivals. Suarez allowed five hits and a walk over two innings, with three K’s, but gave up a three-run jack to former friend Chris Iannetta.

Jared Miller followed Suarez with a zero (a rarity this afternoon), then Lamb’s slam and an RBI from Pollock gave Arizona a 5-3 lead in the middle of the fourth. Then Arizona’s pitching... didn’t. Michael Blazek served up Iannetta’s second homer of the day, a two-run shot. Ryan Atkinson was charged with four runs in two-third of an inning, and Yuhei Nakaushiro continued his streak of being extremely hittable. He gave up five hits and four runs in his frame: any thoughts of him making the roster are now in orbit, courtesy of his 12.00 ERA. He has allowed six hits and two walks over three spring frames, without a strikeout - and that has been pitching mostly against B-hitters.

The final tally? Over eight innings, Arizona surrendered 20 hits, 5 walks and 15 runs, all but one earned. The D-backs also committed four errors, including a pair by Ildemaro Vargas. This was one to forget. Here’s to much better tomorrow afternoon, when we face the Dodgers for the first time since the NLDS, at Camelback Ranch. Robbie Ray is the scheduled starter there.