Diamondbacks falter against the Astros

Aug 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb (19) walks toward the dugout after getting picked off second base against the Houston Astros in the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo (7) scores a run on third baseman Jake Lamb (19) (not pictured) RBI hit against the Houston Astros in the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Some facts to be aware of following the conclusion of this series. Carlos Gomez went 4-14 with 2 RBI’s at the plate in his first full series as a Houston Astro. Wellington Castillo continues to produce on offense and he has been a dangerous hitter to deal with especially in this past week.

Another tough opponent awaits the Diamondbacks arrival. Arizona will travel to our nation’s capital to battle Bryce Harper and the Nationals for four games before returning home to Chase Field to take on the Brewers and Phillies.

It’s looking more and more like the D-Backs will have to push for the second wild card spot if they want to make the playoffs. They currently sit nine games back in the NL West division standings but only 6.5 games back behind the Cubs and Giants for the 2nd Wild Card spot.

Yes 6.5 games is a lot of ground to make up but it can be done. We’ve seen teams in the recent past that have pulled themselves together late in the season and end up making a surge towards the postseason. It may seem unlikely for this team to pull of but let’s not count them out just yet.