The Diamondbacks, or more particularly Pavin Smith, salvaged what would have been a disastrous week with a monstrous game against the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Snapping a three-game losing streak that had trimmed their National League Wild Card lead to just one game, Smith delivered in a big way. He blasted a three-run homer, a grand slam, and a solo shot, powering Arizona to a 12-6 victory. Adding to the Diamondbacks’ relief, both San Diego and the Mets lost their games on Sunday, giving Arizona some breathing room. As the new week begins, the Diamondbacks hold a two-game lead over the Braves in the Wild Card race and sit 6.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
The D-backs entered Sunday 3-7 over their last 10 games.
Looking ahead, Arizona’s schedule only gets tougher. They face the red-hot Texas Rangers, followed by seven crucial games against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers over the next couple of weeks.
Despite recent struggles, including lackluster starting pitching and injuries to key hitters, the Diamondbacks have maintained their place in the top 10 of MLB.com’s weekly Power Rankings.
The @Dodgers have baseball's best record and remain atop this week's power rankings.
(MLB x Traveller Whiskey) pic.twitter.com/wzRrLwQswj
— MLB (@MLB) September 9, 2024
Sandwiched between the Royals and Padres in the No. 8 spot, the Diamondbacks have held a top-10 position since early August.
Elsewhere in the Power Rankings, the Dodgers remain the team to beat, followed by the Phillies and Yankees rounding out the top three.
Ten of Arizona’s final 18 games will be against top-10 teams, with seven of those coming against the Brewers.
