D-backs 1, Nationals 2 - Bad offense is bad

So this no offense this is starting to become an issue. Well, it’s always been an issue, just covered up well because the team was winning. Scoring less than 3 runs a game is less than ideal and with a bullpen already needed to close out high leverage games, something will have to give. Last night was no different.

Fortunately for the D-backs, the starting rotation has been up to task. Since giving up 5 runs against the Phillies, Greinke has given up no more than 2 run while going at least 5 2/3rds IP in each start. He played up to standards, giving up a single run over 7 innings while striking out 6 and walking none.

With Greinke pitching a gem, the offense was bad. 2 singles were all they could muster up until the 5th, when Ketel Marte led off with a single. Nick Ahmed and Jeff Mathis got out consecutively and Greinke took matters into his own hands, lacing a single to left to score Marte from 2nd, 1-0 Dbacks. Greinke stole 2nd somehow. It wasn’t pretty but it got the job done. Unfortunately Peralta grounded out.

Greinke kept on rolling, not even allowing a runner to get into scoring position until Howie Kendrick’s 2-out double in the 7th. Greinke erased that.

And then, it went south. Greinke allowed a leadoff double to Michael A. Taylor. Wilmer Difo came on as a pinch-hitter and Lovullo had enough or something, taking Greinke out of the game after only 91 pitches for Archie Bradley. Difo sacrificed Taylor to 3rd and with Andrew Stevenson up, Archie threw to 3rd, well near 3rd anyway. Descalso wasn’t in the vicinity and that caused the balk. You can check out the play for yourself. Stevenson and Turner hit singles, but Archie got the other 2 outs necessary to keep the game tied, 1-1.

The offense had a chance to walk it off in the 10th, Dyson hit a 1 out single but was out on a absolutely beautiful throw from Severino to cut him down. Peralta walked and Descalso doubled to right but Peralta was unable to go home. Goldy grounded to 3rd to end the inning.

The 11th saw the bullpen finally break. With Fernando Salas pitching, Turner singled and Rendon walked, bringing on Andrew Chafin who gave up a single to Matt Adams, 2-1 Nationals. Two ground balls got them out of the inning with no more additional damage.

The D-backs had once last opportunity, albeit with 2 outs after Steven Souza Jr. singled and stole 2nd but Nick Ahmed popped out to end the game.

☆☆☆ - Zack Greinke (7IP, 1ER, 6Ks) +34.1% WPA
☆☆ - The Bullpen (4IP, 1ER)
☆ - Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock, Nick Ahmed (Combined 0 for 15, 5Ks)

Stop by tonight for Game 2 of this 4 game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40PM.