Arizona Diamondbacks 1, Chicago Cubs 5: Oh Boy

After game 151, the Diamondbacks find themselves just 5 games over .500 after a 5-1 loss against the Chicago Cubs. Here at the Snake Pit, we like to be honest….this season is over. I am sorry but teams like the Cubs and Rockies have taken advantage of the Diamondbacks roller coaster season and forced themselves into the playoff discussion. When the going got tough for the D-Backs, it seemed they could fight through.

The first inning was all Cubs as they were able to get runners on before finishing the inning with a double play from Ben Zobrist. Kris Bryant began his stellar game with a walk. However after an Anthony Rizzo single, both men were stranded. The Diamondbacks wasted no time in making sure they got back onto the field as a rather quick 1-2-3 inning ensued. The second inning was an absolute snooze fest once again as David Bote provided the longest at bat of the inning drawing 6 pitches on an eventual strikeout. Goldy led off the inning with his own good AB but ultimately was called out on a 79.5 mph Changeup that was a little iffy if you ask me. Daniel Descalso and Steven Souza Jr continued the lack of offense with a pop out to third and a strike out respectively. The third inning came and went as both teams fell 1-2-3.

The fourth inning was another example of a loud inning that resulted in no runs. Ben Zobrist was able to rip a 2 out double to right field however Wilson Contreras flew out to A.J. in center field. There was some life from the D-Backs as Eduardo Escobar lined a double and Goldy walked. However, Daniel Descalso flew out to center field as there were runners on first and third. In the 5^th, the Cubs went down 1-2-3 and the Diamondbacks provided some intrigue as Nick Ahmed reached on an error to then get caught in a double play thanks to everyone’s favorite catcher….Alex Avila.

The floodgates opened as Albert Almora and Kris Bryant both reached on singles to right field which allowed Anthony Rizzo to attempt to make some noise. He definitely made noise as a ground out which was eventually challenged allowed Albert Almora to score. The much larger nail in the coffin occurred when Javy Baez dropped a tank to left center field. Baez was able to mash a Slider that was about 2 inches off the lower middle part of the plate (80.7 mph). Two ground outs from Ben Zobrist and Wilson Contreras ended the inning for the boys in blue. Of course the Diamondbacks countered with another 1-2-3 inning (I should turn this into a drinking game).

The seventh inning was another 1-2-3 inning as those participating in the drinking game would most likely need an ambulance.

Roll Call:

Todays game brought in 231 comments and 22 commenters. The commenters included: AZDovs11, Andrew Chrun, AzDbackfanInDc, AzRattler, GuruB, J he, Jack Sommers, Jackwriter, Jim McLennan, Johnneu, Keegan Thompson, Makakilo, Michael McDermott, MikeMono, MrMrrbi, Rockkstarr12, TortugaCub, asteroid, edbigghead, onedotfive, samath, and suroeste.

The comment of the game goes to Mike Mono as the questions regarding Torey Lovullo continued to remain after this incredibly disappointing season.

Kris Bryant sent a 93.7 mph two seamer on a one way ticket to Gonesville. A single forced the D-Backs to make a change at pitcher which wouldn’t have been eventful if it weren’t for Yoan Lopez getting some time. In the home half of the inning, the bottom of the lineup was retired with little effort. A single from David Bote was all the Cubbies did in the ninth as the Diamondbacks were forced to fight for their playoff lives. A.J. Pollock drove a sinker to right center which gave the Diamondbacks their first run of the game!! In my head, I was blasting the John Gambadoro “Give him a lollipop!”

Snake Stars

☆☆☆: A.J. Pollock: 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 HR
☆☆: Paul Goldschmidt 1-3, 1 BB
☆: Rally Baboon, remember that whole thing...that was fun while it lasted

Justin Wilson relieved Hendricks as it took a caught stealing from Goldy to end the game.

Fan Graphs:

Diamondbacks:

• Positive WPA’s (10%+): None
• Negative WPA’s (-10%+): None

Cubs:

• Positive WPA’s (10%+): Kyle Hendricks (44.5%), Kris Bryant (17.2%), Javier Baez (12%)
• Negative WPA’s (-10%+): None

This season just needs to end. It has been an utter disappoint given the hype and retooling this amazing front office has done. I know that there are 11 games or so until the end of the season but there are some things to discuss. What will Mike Hazen do with the notable free agents on this roster? Will he institute more of a rebuild? Could the bigger pieces be up for sale? These are just a few things we as D-Backs fans need to think about as this roller coaster is coming to an end.

Before we go, the Chicago Bears will most likely pummel the Cardinals this Sunday so get ready for the Chicago Takeover.