:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60766129/usa_today_11042523.0.jpg)
After assembling a scrappy 14-inning victory on Monday night, the Arizona offense once again found itself struggling to score runs on Tuesday. The result was that Zack Greinke was hung with a loss, despite only allowing one run through seven innings of work. Arizona’s bats finally managed to push two runs across in the eighth, but alas, it was too little as Jake Diekman was unable to keep the game close, allowing four more runs in the top of the frame.
Late Rally Fails to Save Greinke
Zack Greinke continued to showcase his late-season dominance, but left the game losing 1-0 after seven full innings. Arizona was unable to score until after Jake Diekman entered the game to pitch the eighth and surrendered four more runs.
Arizona has now scored only seven runs in their last 32 innings of play, including their 14-inning victory on Monday night. On Tuesday, the lack of run support cost the team a game they should have won, with Greinke pitching seven innings of one-run ball.
The trade deadline was almost all about the bullpen last week, with the addition of three new arms for Torey Lovullo to call upon. So far, the new crop of pitchers has been having a rough go of things playing for their new team.
Arizona Thriving on Peralta’s Spirit
In the midst of a deep run to the playoffs, Arizona is finding success not just because of David Peralta’s on-field performance, which has been stellar since the break, but also because of the attitude he has when not on the playing field.
Ildemaro Vargas Breaks Affiliate HItting Streak
The 27-year-old middle infield prospect, playing for the Reno Aces, has now tallied a hit in 32 consecutive games.
Diamondbacks Remain Committed to Three Catcher Rotation
Plenty of angst has been voiced about Arizona’s insistence on keeping three catchers on the 25-man roster. However, the team is currently in first place in the NL West, so something is working. Also, don’t look now, but Alex Avila has been playing like the player which was signed in the offseason, sporting a .313/.477/.594 triple-slash since July 7th, giving some credence to the team keeping faith with the veteran backstop.
As the postseason approaches, will Arizona be able to rely on Zack Godley as one of their big-game starters?
It looks entirely likely that a 100-win team will be playing a single game play-in this season.