AZ Snake Pit - Game #19, 4/18: Diamondbacks 4 @ Braves 1An unofficial Arizona Diamondbacks community and bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47033/azsnakepit_f.png2019-04-18T16:12:04-04:00http://www.azsnakepit.com/rss/stream/182301082019-04-18T16:12:04-04:002019-04-18T16:12:04-04:00D-backs 4, Braves 1 - Morning Birds
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<img alt="MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vCB7kKH91MkK9yFtc4IRs7b_Um8=/0x0:4726x3151/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63615898/usa_today_12553088.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The early start didn’t faze the D-backs as they took down the Braves in the series finale.</p> <p id="LDVWHq">Ah daytime baseball. A time to enjoy the sun and America’s Pastime. Except when you’re 3 hours away and the game starts at 9am. Fortunately for the D-backs, <span>Luke Weaver</span> was ready to go. Of course, it helps when the offense stakes you to an early run.</p>
<p id="X7TGLu">It’s safe to say <span>Wilmer Flores</span> has struggled since joining the D-backs for the 2019 season. A slash line of 213/.260/.277 indicates he isn’t doing much at the plate and with just a single RBI, it’s not been easy going. He started out today’s game well, lining a single to center to put a runner on early. <span>David Peralta</span> followed with a single and after a wild pitch, an <span>Adam Jones</span> groundout scored <span>Flores</span> from 3rd for that early <strong>1-0 lead.</strong></p>
<p id="EDZldu"><span>Weaver</span> was just magical throughout the early innings. With plus command of both his fastball, which reached upwards of 97 today, and his excellent change-up, the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> had little answers for him. </p>
<p id="ILw6af">A 1-out single from <span>Johan Camargo</span> in the first was sandwiched by 3 strikeouts, with <span>Inciarte</span>, <span>Freeman</span> and Acuna all going down swinging. The 2nd saw less fanfare, with a leadoff walk left stranded there because of 3 straight outs, by flyout, strikeout and groundout. The 3rd inning was less eventful, as a 2-out <span>Camargo</span> single was all the Braves could muster. <span>Weaver</span>’s pitch count was concerning, even though the innings were relatively short, he was inefficient and closing in on 60 pitches through his 3 innings of work. Dominant, but a cause for concern.</p>
<p id="CmhGug">The offense had their chances to score in the early goings, but failed to do so. <span>Flores</span> doubled in the 3rd, and moved to third on a groundout from <span>Peralta</span>. After a walk by <span>Jones</span>, <span>Christian Walker</span> struck out to end the threat.</p>
<p id="t9rxLk"><span>Weaver</span> saw his first real trouble of the day in the 4th, as Ronald Acuna and <span>Dansby Swanson</span> both singled around an out to put a runner in scoring position. Ho hum for <span>Weaver</span>, as he’d strike out both <span>Tyler Flowers</span> and <span>Ender Inciarte</span> to end the inning.</p>
<p id="dNE20t"><span>Flores</span> again reached in the D-backs half of the 5th inning, and <span>Peralta</span> followed with a double. Unfortunately, <span>Flores</span> is slow as molasses and stayed at third. <span>Jones</span> was intentionally walked, loading the bases for <span>Walker</span>. He struck out for the 3rd time in as many at-bats and Marte grounded out to end the bases loaded threat.</p>
<p id="f8IdUA">Weaver’s last inning was by far his most dominant, needing just 12 pitches to strike out the side in order. His closing line was 5IP, allowing 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 9 <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> batters. He was in line to win his first MLB start since July. That possibility was thin, with the offense only able to produce one single run, despite many chances to do so.</p>
<p id="ucbuOH"><span>Christian Walker</span> finally got a chance at redemption in the 7th. After a one out single from <span>Adam Jones</span>, he stepped up and capitalized. </p>
<div id="CzgRWO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-04/18/83a4b65b-4e2f9a33-a9a06f7a-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="Vxtrer">That blast gave the team some breathing room, giving the D-backs a <strong>3-0 lead.</strong> They wouldn’t stop there, as <span>Locastro</span> walked and stole 2nd then reached 3rd on an error by <span>Camargo</span>, putting runners on the corners for Nick Ahmed. He would line a ground-rule double to left, giving the D-backs a nice <strong>4-0</strong> cushion.</p>
<p id="0xVNkL"><span>Yoan Lopez</span>, <span>Andrew Chafin</span>, <span>Matt Andriese</span> and <span>Yoshihisa Hirano</span> did well in relief, allowing only a single homer from <span>Freddie Freeman</span> in the 8th to give us our final score of <strong>4-1.</strong> They struck out 4 in their 4 innings of combined work.</p>
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<iframe src="https://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=1437016&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2019-04-18&team=Braves&dh=0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="450" width="450" style="border:1px solid black;"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2019-04-18&team=Braves&dh=0&season=2019">FanGraphs</a></span>
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<p id="T5vnN0">☆☆☆ - <em><strong>LUKE WEAVER (5IP, 9Ks, 1ER) +.304 WPA</strong></em><br>☆☆ - <span><strong>Tim Locastro</strong></span><strong> (1 for 2, 1BB, 1HBP, 1SB) +.111</strong><br>☆ - <span><em>Wilmer Flores</em></span><em> (2 for 4, 1R) +.088 WPA</em></p>
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<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
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<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>487</td>
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<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>29</td>
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<td>Commenter list</td>
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AZPerson">AZPerson</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AzDbackfanInDc">AzDbackfanInDc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BIGredmc">BIGredmc</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CA_Yankee_Fan">CA_Yankee_Fan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DeadManG">DeadManG</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Diamondhacks">Diamondhacks</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fangdango">Fangdango</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GuruB">GuruB</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jack%20Sommers">Jack Sommers</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jim%20McLennan">Jim McLennan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JoeCB1991">JoeCB1991</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Johnneu">Johnneu</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Justin27">Justin27</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Juvi%20Juice">Juvi Juice</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Makakilo">Makakilo</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MikeMono">MikeMono</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MrMrrbi">MrMrrbi</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/NikT77">NikT77</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rockkstarr12">Rockkstarr12</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Schilling2001">Schilling2001</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Testerman">Sean Testerman</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Smurf1000">Smurf1000</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/VeeLoh">VeeLoh</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wesley%20Baier">Wesley Baier</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Xerostomia">Xerostomia</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/chronicles_of_the_desert">chronicles_of_the_desert</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/edbigghead">edbigghead</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/onedotfive">onedotfive</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/suroeste">suroeste</a>
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<p id="QNcWF5">An unusually spry Thursday game, although I suspect the early start has something to do with it, with most of us squeezing in a broadcast while we work. I know I’m guilty of that. Comment of the thread goes to suroeste for the astute observation of probably Kevin Towers favorite player.</p>
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<p id="mXBqv3">After the series sweep in Atlanta, the D-backs take the quick flight to Chicago for another mid-day game, this time at 11:20am. Thankfully it’s a Friday and I’m sure we’ll be tuning into that one as well. Enjoy the rest of the day after a great win!</p>
https://www.azsnakepit.com/2019/4/18/18485627/d-backs-braves-series-finale-april-18th-game-recapSteven Burt2019-04-18T12:00:00-04:002019-04-18T12:00:00-04:00Gameday Thread, #19: 4/18 vs. Braves
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<img alt="Revere’s Ride" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o7Cy1fbDOKdZ7vlmAZOHj06Q6DM=/0x1116:2586x2840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63612798/3359664.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">April 18 - 1775: American Revolution - Paul Revere began his famous ride, warning colonists that the British were coming ~ the British would advance by sea. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/history?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#history</a></p>— Today In History (@Yesterday_Today) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yesterday_Today/status/1118880108574593026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a>
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https://www.azsnakepit.com/diamondbacks-gamedays/2019/4/18/18484915/gameday-thread-19-4-18-vs-bravesJim McLennan2019-04-18T11:30:00-04:002019-04-18T11:30:00-04:00Preview, #19: 4/18 @ Braves
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<img alt="Robots’ Coffee Break" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XmDJ_Z5Z7LcCb0Nacamw6guaXs0=/0x470:4614x3546/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63605033/157020500.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>What dawn hell is this?</p> <div id="aQJli6">
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<h3>Today's Lineups</h3>
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<th align="left">DIAMONDBACKS</th>
<th align="left">BRAVES</th>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Ildemaro Vargas - 3B</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Ozzie Albies - 2B</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Wilmer Flores - 2B</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Johan Camargo - 3B</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">David Peralta - LF</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Freddie Freeman - 1B</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Adam Jones - RF</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Ronald Acuna - LF</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Christian Walker - 1B</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Nick Markakis - RF</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Ketel Marte - SS</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Dansby Swanson - SS</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Tim Locastro - CF</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Tyler Flowers - C</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Carson Kelly - C</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Ender Inciarte - CF</td>
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<td class="td-last td-name">Luke Weaver - RHP</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Mike Soroka - RHP</td>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="anGDL5">
<p id="q1httq">A first pitch at 9:10 am? I hope you’re not expecting your usual incisive and witty preview for this kind of start time. You’re probably lucky that it’s not just three paragraphs of yawning sounds, because that’s what this kind of game deserves. I guess this is how East coast fans feel about 7:10 pm first pitches. Needless to say, this is a preview which has been mostly written the night before, with just the line-ups getting plugged in on the day. The D-backs will be going for their first sweep of the season, and also looking to try and extend their season-high three-game winning streak, which has brought the team back to the .500 level. If they win, they’ll probably do it late. </p>
<p id="GYYCeJ">That’s something which I mentioned in the GDT yesterday. The D-backs have scored just 17 runs in the first three innings this season, through 18 games. In contrast, they have scored 19 times in just the seventh inning, including the tying run in yesterday’s contest. There has been a lot of late-inning action on both sides. Of the D-backs 99 runs scored and 101 allowed, 55 of each have been scored from the sixth inning on. And going into the final stretch, the team seems to <em>want</em> to be behind. When they have been trailing at the start of the seventh, the D-backs are 4-4. But when tied at the start of the seventh, they have yet to win, having gone 0-4. [They’re 5-1 when ahead at that point, a solid number] </p>
<p id="sX03y6">Most impressively of all, eight of Arizona’s nine wins have seen them trailing at some point in the game. Even the 15-8 mauling of the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a>, had Boston 1-0 up in the middle of the third. The sole exception is the 10-3 victory over the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> on April Fools’ Day. Last night’s victory was also the first one of the year which did not involve the delivery of free tacos (*etc etc), the D-backs having previously gone 0-5 when scoring fewer than five runs. There, I think that’s enough random tit-bits of trivia to keep you going. Me, I’m off to get some coffee. Er, make that MORE coffee...</p>
https://www.azsnakepit.com/diamondbacks-gamedays/2019/4/18/18467591/preview-19-4-18-bravesJim McLennan