Maybe we’ll score a run?
A dismal series for the D-backs offense in Pittsburgh, managing to score just one run across the entire three games. And that one was largely gifted to them, being a Manfred Man in extras during the opener. They didn’t pin an earned run on the entire Pirates staff, largely because they failed to get a hit with a runner in scoring position. Updating a stat from the last Gameday Thread, they are now 0-for-20 with RISP since their last such hit, all the way back on Wednesday. Saturday and Sunday were the first time the D-backs had been shutout in consecutive games since September 12-13, 2022. It’s never happened to Arizona three times in a row.
However, there is some precedence to this futility streak, in it being the first time since 2000 that the same opponent has not allowed an earned run against the D-backs three games in a row. Though the last time actually took place over a spell of almost eleven months. The Cardinals beat the D-backs 1-0 n July 1999, and the next time they two teams faced off, at the end of May 2000, they won 3-0 and 6-1. The only run in the latter game was – just like Friday’s – an unearned run which scored on a sacrifice fly. The runner was Omar Daal of all people, who had reached third-base after catcher Mike Matheny threw wildly to first on Daal’s bunt attempt.
I’m going out with Mrs. S for dinner and a concert, since it’s her birthday week. So Makakilo will be bringing you tonight’s recap – thanks to him for covering. I hope there are no trades while I’m off the grid, but after the past few games, I kinda feel we could sell every position player on the 26-man roster, and it might not matter too much!