Arizona Diamondbacks 4, LA Dodgers 7: Hello Darkness My Old Friend

This season has been an utter disappointment, and with Dave Roberts early season comments ringing true, there is no way any Diamondbacks fan should be happy with the product. After a series with the Rockies, the Diamondbacks fought valiantly (I guess?). However, the result was one we have gotten use to as the boys in Sedona Red fell to the Dodgers 7-4. Because it is my last recap of the year (cue the sad music), we will make this recap short, sweet, and to the point.

The first inning was rather competitive for both clubs, as the Dodgers were able to muster a run across, as David Freese hit a slider that was up and in for a single to score Chris Taylor. After two more walks for the Dodgers, Brian Dozier’s lineout ended the inning. Eduardo Escobar was able to single on a line drive to Chris Taylor. This allowed Ketel Marte to take an 88.8 mph slider and drill it for a triple. The second inning was not very eventful as the only high energy play came on a John Ryan Murphy double (color me shocked). To their credit, the Diamondbacks were able to get a run across as Ketel Marte continued to put this team on its back. A homer to left center field delivered the lead for the D-Backs in the third inning. Walks by both teams could not create much action as both teams failed to score in the fourth inning.

In the fifth inning, David Freese delivered a bomb to right center field that came on a 91.4 mph four seamer that was RIGHT DOWN THE DANG PLATE. That was it for the Dodgers as the Diamondbacks would re-take the lead in the bottom half. Chris Owings delivered a shot that became a ground rule double in the most surprising play of the game. I am not on the Chris Owings bandwagon and based off this season, you probably aren’t either. Nonetheless, that double allowed Ketel Marte to come up to the plate and hit a single that would score CO.

The sixth inning was an absolute snoozer, as both teams went down 1-2-3. The only action was a few defensive substitutions.

The seventh inning was all Dodgers as they simply began to put their foot on the pedal. Two runs were scored during the top half of the frame as a few walks and some singles led to the runs being scored. The Diamondbacks went down 1-2-3 once again, giving the Dodgers all of the momentum they needed. No runs were scored in the eighth as it was much of the same from innings 2 and 6.

Snake Stars:

There was only one player that deserved regcognition tonight and that would be Ketel Marte. An extension in the beginning of the year was probably his brightest moment. However, in a meaningless game, he delivered. Three of the four runs scored by the Diamondbacks tonight came off of the bat of Marte.

The biggest blow came in the ninth inning. A Max Muncy walk a Josh Turner single, caused the Diamondbacks to freak out. This led to a wild pitch by Yoshi Hirano that allowed Max Muncy to score. This allowed Manny Freakin Machado to step to the plate with two runners on. I knew that he would come back to haunt us in some fashion. He did just that as he hit a double that deflected off of Chris Owings (oh boy) and allowed Justin Turner to score. ANOTHER wild pitch by Hirano allowed Chase Utley to score, which would be the last for the inning.

With playoff hopes already being dashed, you would hope the team would try to just win a game against the Dodgers for momentum into next season. A.J. Pollock delivered a bomb but that was it…the game was over.

Fangraphs:

Diamondbacks:

• Positive WPA’s (10%+): Ketel Marte (32.2%)
• Negative WPA’s (-10%+): Brad Ziegler (-12.7%), Yoshi Hirano (-16.0%), Andrew Chafin (-16.7%), Eduardo Escobar (-10.7%), Nick Ahmed (-15.6%)

Dodgers:

• Positive WPA’s (10%+): Caleb Ferguson (11.4%), Max Muncy (20.4%), David Freese (22.7%)
• Negative WPA’s (-10%+): Matt Kemp (-20.4%)

This season has been an utter disappointment. Thus, questions arise about the future of this team. We over here at the Snake Pit are working on some really cool features talking about different paths the front office could, or should, take.

Roll Call:

We had a total of 222 comments and 21 total commenters (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, suroeste). As for the comment and commenter of the game, I am deciding to give it to all of you. This participation trophy of sorts will be touched upon towards the end of this recap!

With all of this being said, this is my last recap of the season and I want to thank all of you readers for being truly amazing. I look forward to continuing with the Pit next season and writing a lot more positive news and recaps about this team. If you want to get the latest updates on future articles or just want to hear some hot sports takes, you can follow me on twitter @ Alex_Boxwell. Once again, thank you for a great season and Go D-Backs!