PITTSBURGH — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Tuesday win over the Pittsburgh Pirates had fans feeling every emotion, but one feeling that resonated throughout the fan base was exasperation.
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Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) gestures as he circles the bases on a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
What looked like a dominant 6-0 Diamondbacks lead turned into a 6-3 game before the ninth inning, forcing Arizona to turn to closer Paul Sewald as a blowout became a save opportunity. The Pirates, who trailed throughout, rallied in the ninth, tying the game on a two-run shot and a solo home run off Sewald.
The closer was eventually pulled after recording one out and allowing three earned runs, but questions about his role lingered long after the Snakes secured an 8-7 win in extra innings.
May 11, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald (38) throws the plate during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
It’s nothing new for Arizona fans to question Sewald’s role at the back end of the bullpen. Despite his respectable save percentage, his 5.26 ERA and tendency to give up hard contact have left many wondering why he continues to serve as Arizona’s closer.
After another shaky outing in Pittsburgh, that sentiment has only grown.
I’ve tried so hard to stay positive about Paul Sewald…. But the wheels are fully fallen off
LAST 7: 9.53 ERA
LAST 15: 8.78 ERA
LAST 30: 5.53 ERAFully cooked…. pic.twitter.com/CVJwTjpyUh
— Goldschmidt Happened (@GoldyHappens) July 29, 2026
In ALL HONESTLY, please stop having Paul Sewald pitch in the 9th inning… thanks!
— The AZ sports fan! (@TheAZsportsfan1) July 29, 2026
I hate the fact that if we win, this management is gonna act like everything is fine lmao Paul Sewald and Ryan Thompson don’t have a place on this team. They blow leads all the time. #Dbacks
— ketel marte burner account (@alexp_1335) July 29, 2026
Paul Sewald owes Brandon Pfaadt a big time apology… 7 innings of shutout baseball, leading 6-0… how do you blow that? It’s just incredible…
— The AZ Sports Dude (@azsportsguy1) July 29, 2026
While Sewald’s latest outing didn’t cost the club a win, performances like this could become far more significant as the season progresses. Every blown save or late-inning collapse impacts their National League playoff race, where a handful of games can determine postseason positioning.
Tuesday’s game ended in Arizona’s favor, but fans know similar performances won’t always have the same outcome. With the postseason race expected to remain tight, turning comfortable leads into nail-biters — or losses — could become increasingly costly.
Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Jake Mangum (28) greets second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) crossing home plate on a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks escape with win, but Paul Sewald concerns remain
