A good start from Slade Cecconi almost fell to the wayside as the bullpen continued its path to the worst group in the league before being picked up by the offense once again.
It’s hard to have much confidence in the Diamondbacks bullpen at this point in the season as by just about every metric they’re one of the worst groups in the league. K/9? 2nd to last. BB/9? Bottom-10. ERA? Bottom-7. And when you’re needed to throw as many innings as that group has, the issues become even more apparent. The bullpen was absolutely lights out on its way to the World Series and blinded Hazen this offseason thinking it could continue its performance but the group desperately needs help if they have any thoughts of another postseason run.
The offense did plenty enough to come away with a win. Joc Pederson ambushed a 2-1 fastball for his 4th homer of the year, continuing to show that signing him in the offseason was the correct choice.
The offense continued to threaten Hunter Greene all day, albeit with little success with baserunners in each inning until his time ran up in the 6th after Joc and Walker reached. Nick Martinez replaced Greene and Lourdes immediately doubled into right-center scoring Joc. Eugenio Suarez got enough of one for a sac fly and the D-backs took a 3-1 lead.
On the mound was Slade Cecconi who showed more of the same as he did last time when he was perfect through 3. This time out he came close to matching that performance, only allowing a 1-out walk to Will Benson. He was thrown out trying to steal 2nd, and once again, Slade had faced the minimum through 3.
He escaped trouble in the 4th as Elly de la Cruz singled and stole 2nd and 3rd, but stranded him there and was close to getting through five scoreless innings, but Jeimer Candelario just cleared the way in left for a solo HR. Benson followed that with a hard-hit double and after a Maile HBP, he induced a flyout to left for the final out, escaping with a tie ballgame.
But the well ran dry in the 6th, as he walked the first two batters but picked off de la Cruz on a nifty back pick of 2nd base. His final line probably looks worse than how he pitched, giving up 1ER in 5.1IP with 2Ks and 3BBs. Still, he was excellent and dominant at times and is proving he belongs at this level. When the rotation is back fully healthy, questions have to be raised as to whether he goes to a bullpen role or back to Reno to continue pitch as a starter.
Despite the walk and follow-up single by Fraley, Logan Allen induced a ground ball that should’ve been a double play but Blaze’s throw to 1st was wide of the bag. No matter. Mike Ford popped out to Marte for the final out and no damage done.
The offenses weren’t done however, Marte tripled to center after a misplay and Walker singled to get a much-needed insurance run, 4-1 Dbacks.
But, another inning for Logan Allen was an inning too much, as the Reds linked hits in their half of the 7th against the lefty. Candelario led off with a single and he got 2 outs, but de la Friedl singled, Cruz singled home a run, and Ryan Thompson allowed another 2-run single before getting a Fraley ground out to mercifully end the inning in a whole new ballgame, 4-4.
But, the D-backs had a two-out rally of their own with Barnhart and Pavin Smith walking to put a runner in scoring position for Corbin Carroll, who is finally looking like a competent MLB hitter again. This single to center was just enough to score the slow-footed Tucker and the team gave the bullpen another chance to clamp down on the win, 5-4.
Kevin Ginkel was called on for redemption and he was good. A strikeout preceded a single, but a nifty deke by both Kevin Newman and Marte on a stolen base attempt got Fairchild to stick around 2nd long enough for Corbin Carroll to catch the fly-out and throw back to 1st for the inning-ending double play. Just a massive play to end the Reds’ last threat of the game.
The 9th was quiet for both teams, Joc had a bunt single and stolen base but was stranded, and Paul Sewald did Paul Sewald things, striking out two and getting a check swing ground out to end the game, giving the D-backs a win and sweep.
If there was ever a time for a sweep, it was that series. With the team moving onto Baltimore for a 3-game series with one of the best teams in the league. The team gets a little lucky, as they miss Corbin Burnes, but don’t be fooled as that rotation is still one of the best in the league. First pitch for that series starts tomorrow at 4:05pm AZ time.