When everyday playing time is hard to come by, every at-bat matters, especially for a rookie. Blaze Alexander understands the uphill climb he faces as he attempts to break into the Diamondbacks’ starting lineup.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Against the A’s, Alexander seized a pinch-hit opportunity, coming in to bat for Joc Pederson with two outs, bases loaded, and the game tied at one apiece. On the second pitch he saw, Alexander took advantage of the infield playing in, perfectly placing a ground ball into left field to make it a 3-1 game.
BLAZE OFF THE BENCH! ???? pic.twitter.com/yF5GFRCN45
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 30, 2024
Blaze’s batting average stands at .259 this season, down from a peak of .311 in early May.
Following the win, Alexander spoke with Jody Jackson on the D-backs TV broadcast. “It was a tight game, my number was called late. I walked up there thinking I was facing a lefty but ended up facing Adams. You go straight into compete mode right there.”
Describing his routine for pinch-hit appearances, Alexander mentioned that he typically starts getting ready around the 4th or 5th inning, just in case. Today, he was still in the cages when Torey Lovullo made the decision. “It all happened quick. They called my number, I was in the cages, I got my last swing off, and came running back down.”
Walking through the at-bat, the rookie explained, “I knew he was a heavy slider guy, so I was sitting soft and ended up getting a good heater to hit and then just reacted, using my hands.” Blaze took the first pitch, a slider down the middle, then connected on a 93 MPH fastball.
Alexander concluded by praising Brandon Pfaadt. After Gallen tossed six innings on Saturday, allowing just one hit and no runs, Pfaadt pitched six innings, striking out eight batters and allowing one earned run, ultimately enabling Arizona’s offense to break through late. Blaze noted, “Yesterday felt different. Anytime Gallen is on the mound, you know he is going six, seven, or eight. He gave us a huge boost yesterday. B-Pfaadt did amazing today, and you know another series win.”
Next up for the Diamondbacks is a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers starting on Tuesday at 7:10 PM. The D-backs are 3-3 against the Dodgers this season.
