Diamondbacks Falter Against Nationals
The Arizona Diamondbacks could not hold up against the Washington Nationals. This three game series had two blowouts in game one and two, and then a back and forth game in the series finale.
May 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Overall view of Chase Field as Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Vidal Nuno throws in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Monday-
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With the Washington Nationals getting 4 runs in the 1st and then 6 runs in the 2nd, the game was over early.
Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher Josh Collmenter (3-4) only went 1.1 innings allowing 9 runs on 8 hits, in the loss. When Vidal Nuno came in the game he threw 6.2 innings allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits, but the offense for the D-Backs was not there.
Arizona faced former D-Back and ace for the Nationals Max Scherzer (3-3), who looked like the ace in the win. Scherzer went 7 innings allowing 5 hits and 1 run.
Jordan Pacheco (2) made the only damage for the Diamondbacks with a solo home run in the 6th. While Denard Span (3) hit a solo home run and Jordan Zimmermann (4) hit a three-run home run, both in the 1st off Collmenter.
With the D-Backs’ bats at bay, the Nationals were able to cruise to an easy win.
May 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Mark Trumbo hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Tuesday-
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This game was the complete opposite of game one. The Diamondbacks got the lead early and were able to maintain it, at one point it was a 10-run lead.
D-Backs’ Rubby De La Rosa (4-2) was spectacular in his 7 innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits in the win. De La Rosa was even able to help his cause when he had a single and RBI.
Nationals’ pitcher Stephen Strasburg (2-4) only went 3.1 innings allowing 8 hits and 8 runs, 7 earned in the loss. His relief did not help much, as the Nationals’ bullpen allowed 6 more runs in 4.2 innings. The most surprising reliever for the Nats was left fielder Clint Robinson who pitched the 8th inning.
Ender Inciarte (1) hit his first home run in the 3rd inning, and Mark Trumbo (5,6) had a career day hitting home runs in two straight at-bats; in the 4th and 6th innings. Trumbo also had 4 RBIs in 5 at-bats. Chris Owings was a home run shy of the cycle, and Aaron Hill had two 2-out RBIs in the win. The Diamondbacks were also 6-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
Though the Nationals only amounted 6 runs, Bryce Harper (12) continued his great year with a home run in the 6th.
With the win the Diamondbacks were within 2 games of .500 at 15-17.
May 13, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (3) celebrates with teammates after hitting a grand slam home run in the ninth inninga gainst the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Wednesday-
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The afternoon game Wednesday was a close one, but the Diamondbacks could not hold a lead in the 9th innings as the Nationals comeback to win.
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson was given a no-decision after he went 5.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 runs. Closer Addison Reed (0-2) was given the loss and a blown save, after he loaded the bases and then allowed a grand slam in the 9th.
Nationals pitching did well controlling the Diamondback bats, as starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez went 5 innings allowing 9 hits and 5 runs in the no-decision. National reliever Aaron Barrett (3-0) received the win and Drew Storen (10) got the save.
The Nationals got their win after Michael Taylor (3) hit a grand slam in the 9th, giving them a 9-6 lead.
Paul Goldschmidt was a home run away from a natural cycle, but was intentionally walked and stuck out in his final two at-bats.
Washington Nationals Manager Matt Williams and right fielder Bryce Harper were ejected in the 7th after Harper struck out.
Jul 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the Citizens Bank Park prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Diamondbacks look ahead to their 3-game weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies in Philly.