PHOENIX — A lot can change in 24 hours, and for the Arizona Diamondbacks, they went from celebrating a franchise-tying historic comeback win to dropping the first game of their series against one of the worst teams in the American League.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Jul 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a double and records his 2000th career hit in the fifth inning against the Athletics at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Coming off an electric series win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, many D-Backs fans hoped it would spark the club to build on the victory and find the consistency needed to prove they have enough to buy at the trade deadline and compete for a spot in October.
Those hopes were quickly tested Monday as Arizona faced the Athletics and their left-hander Jeffrey Springs, who entered the contest with an ERA north of 6.00. What looked like an opportunity to carry Sunday’s momentum into another win turned into the exact opposite.
Jul 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Athletics pitcher Hogan Harris (36) celebrates with catcher Shea Langeliers (23) after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Springs shut down the Snakes’ offense, allowing just two earned runs on six hits while striking out two through five innings. It wasn’t a dominant performance overall, but given the mismatch in talent on paper, it simply wasn’t the Diamondbacks’ night offensively.
The Snakes also struggled to make the most of their ABS challenges and lacked situational hitting in key moments. The loss, and everything that came with it, frustrated the D-Backs faithful.
The #dbacks love to scoreboard watch. They love to lose when the teams they are chasing lose. No grit. No killer instinct. They just cruise on prayers. Lost game one. Now they have to win tomorrow and go against the Athletics ace. Losers. Please sell.
— elgallo4978 (@_Hysterik_) July 21, 2026
Well, after a stunning comeback, you would think the Dbacks would demonstrate even the slightest sense of dynamics, but instead lose to a team that was 42-57 prior to tonight’s game. It proves they’re nothing more than a .500 team at this point. They need a spark ASAP!
— Lou S. (@KingLouieLouie) July 21, 2026
Wow that’s frustrating. How were the Dbacks the team that came back from 7-0 yesterday? I don’t understand.
— Camden Swanson (@cswanson25) July 21, 2026
Why do the Dbacks refuse to challenge in the 9th inning… I mean you can’t take them with you.
Challenge!
— The AZ sports fan! (@TheAZsportsfan1) July 21, 2026
These reactions are a reflection of the reality of an MLB season. One day you’re celebrating; the next, you’re wondering how a club that statistically doesn’t have the talent you do was able to sneak away with a win.
Momentum can disappear as quickly as it arrives, and every game either gets you closer to a playoff slot or pushes you further away.
Jul 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Athletics third baseman Tommy White (47) is tagged out by Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas (6) trying to steal second base in the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Consistency remains the biggest hurdle between being a talented team on paper and one capable of making a legitimate push for October baseball.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks’ Nolan Arenado adds another milestone to his Hall of Fame résumé
