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Arizona Diamondbacks

Same Old Problems for D-Backs

D-Backs
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The D-Backs have ran into the same problems for the last three seasons. No, I am not talking about the habit of leaving runners in scoring position. I am talking about leaving the starter in the game for one inning too long.

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Torey Lovullo, the Diamondbacks manager has a bad habit of riding starters way too deep into ballgames. I know what you are thinking, I sound like a kid with no history behind him.

Trust me, I am an old school baseball guy who believes starters should be able to go 7+ on a regular basis. However, facts are facts; and the facts are that these kids are not mentally or physically prepared for that.

Arizona has lost a number of games by leaving the starter out there too long. Once a pitcher hits the 90 pitch mark, it is probably time to make am move in this days game.

Far too often Lovullo tries to push that to the limit, and gets (pardon my pun) snakebitten for it. The other teams pounces on the tired arm and before you know it, two runs are scored and there are runners on the corners.

Moving forward, Lovullo will have to learn to trust his bullpen, and go to them earlier. Intrust them in big situations, sometimes a fresh arm is better than a gassed ace.

Luckily for the D-Backs tonight, Dustin May happened to loose his touch around the same time as Kelly, allowing a 6th inning rally.

(As of posting this article, it is still the Bottom of the 6th inning, the Diamondbacks just scored their first run of the game on a walk followed by a double. Ketel Marte just draws the second walk of the inning, runners on first and second, no outs, Dodgers lead 4-1.)

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Rowan Donaghey is a Sports and Betting insider, and breaking news reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @RowanDonaghey

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