In what may have been the game of the year, the Arizona Diamondbacks put to bed their four-game losing streak with a remarkable 16-13 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Diamondbacks, after scoring a combined 14 runs in their past five games, scored 16 runs, marking their highest total since August 3rd, 2019.
This scoring onslaught started in the first inning with a triple from rookie Corbin Carroll, driving in the first run of the night. Carroll would then score on a scoring error, putting the Diamondbacks up quickly, 2-0.
But this would prove to just be the beginning of a wild night for both offenses, as by the time the 3rd inning began, Atlanta already held a 7-5 lead.
Zach Davies struggles continue
While it is hard to blame him, considering the way the ball was flying off the bat all game, Zach Davies’ miserable start was nothing new.
Davies only recorded 11 outs while also allowing nine earned runs on eight hits and three walks. His ERA has now soared to 7.38, which is an all-time worst in Diamondbacks history (minimum 12 starts).
If it were not for the whopping 16 runs of support that the D-backs’ offense provided, Arizona would have locked in a seventh consecutive loss in games where Davies takes the mound.
With Merrill Kelly still out due to a blood clot in his calf, the Diamondbacks may need to stick with Davies for a bit longer. However, as soon as Kelly makes his return, it would be wise for Torey Lovullo to finally cut his losses, just like he did with Madison Bumgarner at the beginning of the season.
Top of the order masterclass
After it seemed the top of the order forgot how to swing the bat during Arizona’s series in Toronto, the Diamondbacks 1-4 hitters combined for a 10-21 night at the plate.
Each player scored at least two runs, had at least two hits, and drove in at least two runners. The top of the order accounted for 12 of the 14 RBIs (Geraldo Perdomo, Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte & Christian Walker).
But nobody came close to matching the game that Christian Walker had. Following an 0-11 stretch against the Blue Jays, Walker went 3/5 at the plate, driving in five runs on two bombs.
One of these home runs was a three-run shot that gave the Diamondbacks a 12-11 lead in the 6th inning.
The scoring won't stop!
Christian Walker's 2nd homer of the night gives the @Dbacks the lead again! pic.twitter.com/bQk3nch6L6
— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2023
When they needed it most
With this win, the D-backs have snapped their four-game losing streak but are still half a game behind the Giants for second place in the NL West.
Nevertheless, considering the difficulty of the D-backs schedule at the moment, any win like this is absolutely crucial if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.
And who knows? Maybe a 16-run offensive outburst is what gets the bats on a roll for Arizona. After all, it was the offense that carried the Diamondbacks to the top of the standings in the first place.
Game two of their three-game series against the Braves is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:20 PM. It will be rookie starter Ryne Nelson on the mound, hoping to help secure a series victory for the D-backs.
