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Diamondbacks’ Wild Card lead dwindles as struggles mount down the stretch

Sep 7, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña (3) crosses home plate after hitting a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

After dropping their third consecutive game, the Diamondbacks have watched their once-comfortable seven-game lead in the National League Wild Card race shrink to just one game.

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While the New York Mets’ nine-game winning streak hasn’t helped Arizona’s case, the real issue lies in the Diamondbacks’ 3-7 record over their last 10 games. With only 20 games remaining in the season, the team now finds itself in a vulnerable position.

The starting pitching has been particularly concerning. Although Jordan Montgomery has been moved to the bullpen, preventing further damage to the rotation, he has yet to find his rhythm as a reliever. Montgomery gave up three earned runs in 2.2 innings against the Dodgers last weekend and followed that performance with four earned runs in three innings against the Astros on Friday.

Eduardo Rodriguez’s struggles continue as well, with his season ERA now sitting at 5.83 after allowing four earned runs in the Diamondbacks’ 11-5 loss to the Astros. In his previous start, Rodriguez gave up five runs over five innings.

On offense, both Christian Walker and Ketel Marte have struggled since returning from the injured list. Marte is hitless in seven at-bats over two games, while Walker has managed just three hits in 15 at-bats.

In the first two games of their series against Houston, Arizona was outscored by 14 runs, prompting fans to relive memories of the 2018 season when the Diamondbacks went 11-25 starting in mid-August and missed the playoffs.

Though this isn’t quite the same level of collapse—the Diamondbacks still hold a Wild Card spot and boast one of the best records in baseball since the All-Star break—Saturday’s loss has fans entering panic mode.

Is it panic time for the Diamondbacks?

Burn City Radio

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