Over the weekend the Arizona Diamondbacks took 2 out of 3 against the Nationals. However an old friend reared it’s ugly head in the 9th inning, D-Backs give up multiple runs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the last two games, Arizona has given up a combined 8 runs in the 9th inning alone. In both games the Diamondbacks were in the lead going into the 9th inning, both times surrendering it.
On Saturday night, they were fortunate enough to get a walk off victory in the bottom half of the 9th inning. However on Sunday they would have no such luck.
D-Backs need a Closer
On the season so far the D-Backs have 8 recorded saves, 5 of which came from the arm of Andrew Chafin. Although he has been solid for the Diamondbacks through the 2023 season’s first 30 games, this is a sore subject for Phoenix faithful.
Two of the biggest problems this franchise is trying to shake is blowing leads late and leaving runners on base in scoring position. The latter of those problems seems to be getting better as these young hitters grow up.
However blowing leads late, is something that is starting to happen regularly the last week. Saturday between Scott McGough and Andrew Chafin, 5 runs were given up in the 9th inning alone.
Fast foward to Sunday and between three pitchers, Kyle Nelson, Kevin Ginkel, and Miguel Castro; 6 runs were scored in the 7th, 8th, and 9th inning.
Arizona Diamondbacks and Torey Lovullo have a lot of questions to answer. The biggest one by far is, who can the franchise count on to close games?
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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
