From May 24-30, the Diamondbacks scored a grand total of nine runs. They matched that total Friday night against the New York Mets. Despite the loss, there were encouraging signs from the game. They built innings, they executed in run-scoring situations, they got the elusive big hits, and they got some slug with three home runs. Now the question will be can they build on that moving forward?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo described the breakthrough offensive performance as “a reminder of how good we can be”. He still wants his hitters to give more stubborn at-bats in key situations. The Diamondbacks were 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position, all coming from the middle of the order. Two of those hits came from Joc Pederson, who has been the team’s best hitter against right-handed pitching in 2024. In both of those innings, the team put a crooked number up on the scoreboard.
It was also encouraging to see players breakthrough. Ketel Marte has recorded hits in back-to-back games after a 0-for-21 stretch following a 21-game hitting streak. Corbin Carroll has recorded multi-hit games in two of his past three starts, collecting five hits in total. Eugenio Suárez got that elusive 250th career home run on the same night he slammed his helmet on the ground in frustration after making an out.
In that frustrating stretch mentioned above, the Diamondbacks hit zero home runs. They broke out of that with three home runs, hit by guys expected to provide home run thump to the middle of the order.
It will be interesting to see how that carries in their next game against the Mets, and further beyond. Is it the confidence boost they need or just a flash in the pan type of game? The answer to that question very well could determine the Diamondbacks’ ability to turn around their season from a 25-32 record.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
