Snake Pit Sim Season: 6/24 - Ray of Hope

Robbie Ray was once again in his Dodger-crushing groove. The lefty pitched into the eighth inning, striking out nine Dodgers. He had only one real hiccup along the way, a two-run home run he allowed to Justin Turner which ended his day. Before that, Ray pitched 7 ¹⁄₃ stellar innings, allowing only two hits and two walks.

Alex Wood was nowhere near as fortunate for the Dodgers. The Arizona bats showed a bit of life in this game. Five of Arizona’s nine hits through the front five innings went for extra bases, including two home runs, continuing the trend begun the night before of balls flying out of the yard. Ketel Marte joined all three Arizona outfielders in the multi-hit club for this game. Arizona jumped out to a quick lead in the bottom of the first. Starling Marte began the frame with a double in the right center gap. David Peralta then homered, 410 feet to right field.

For all intents and purposes, the game felt like it was over after three innings. After Ray allowed the only two walks he would issue in the game during the first inning, he then settled in wonderfully. Ray was then perfect in innings two, through five and got the first out in the sixth before finally allowing his first hit of the game, a single by Wilmer Difo. This stretch was punctuated by Ray striking out five of six batters in the second and third innings - all of them swinging.

A tired Will Smith came in and finished off the eighth inning after Ray lost his shutout bid. Andrew Chafin, the lone rested arm, picked up the save by throwing a clean ninth inning.

Final Score: LAD 2 - AZ 4

Robbie Ray was forced to make more room on his wall of awards. He took home yet another player of the game honor. If only Ray could bring a rested start to every game against the Dodgers.

By winning the last two games, the Diamondbacks took the series for L.A. Despite Arizona’s struggles, going only 9-7 against some key opponents during this 16-game stretch, they go into their much needed off-day still trailing the Dodgers by only two games in the NL West, three games ahead of the pack in the Wild Card standings. The next game will be Friday in Philadelphia. Jon Duplantier (2-1, 5.03) is expected to take the ball for the Diamondbacks. The Phillies will counter with Nick Pivetta (2-6, 5.77).