Previously this week the Diamondbacks went on the road to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the bullpen had clear struggles. Over the three game span the Diamondbacks arm barn gave up almost 40 hits.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During the three game stretch, not one of the starting pitchers gave up less than eight hits. In fact Brandon Pfaadt was a the one who gave up only eight hits. It was in four innings of work, and allowed five runs.
The biggest worry of the series had to be the Diamondbacks #1 and #2 guys getting jumped on early and often. Zac Gallen, Arizona’s ace and Cy Young front runner, gave up 12 hits and six earned runs. He also walked three batters in the 5.1 innings he threw which is not like him. Gallen stated “I felt really good heading into the game, which is the most unfortunate” in an interview after the game.
Zac Gallen on his outing against the Dodgers:
"I felt solid going into the game … The bullpen felt sharp. Playing catch felt sharp. Just didn't really execute. It's not like I went into that game not feeling great." pic.twitter.com/vI6k1OG38T
— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) August 29, 2023
Merrill Kelly however, got the worst of it. Kelly threw five innings on Tuesday night, where the Dodgers massed 12 hits, 7 earned runs and 3 walks. Arizona’s number two guy has had his struggles against the division foe his entire career. Against the Dodgers Kelly is 0-11 with a 5.49 ERA. “I believe in myself against any team. I just think this is a team where you can’t really afford to have an off night. Unfortunately, I’ve had a fair amount of games like that.” Those were Kelly’s words directly after the performance.
When will we win one?
The Dodgers are a very good organization and are managed well. At some point though, you have to win one. Arizona has a losing record against Los Angeles this season and has had one for a couple years in a row now.
If the Diamondbacks get into the Wildcard and win that game, the Dodgers are who they will likely face. There has to come a time where Arizona can hold their own against top dogs like LA. Their season could depend on it.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information and exclusive content SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Devan Blankenship is a sports and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @DevanB2456 for premium Arizona Diamondbacks.
