D-backs Blitz Grove to Secure Series Win Over Dodgers
Since the start of the 2020 season the Diamondbacks have not fared well against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a 10-38 record over that stretch. That changed this weekend, as Arizona flipped the script to take three of four at Chase Field with an 11-6 win. They split four games with the Dodgers in L.A. the opening weekend and now stand 5-3 against them on the year. The five wins matches their win total against the Dodgers for all of last year.
"On a Sunday, day games, last game of the series, you really try and come out and make statements early that ensures that you're ready to play a baseball game. I thought we did a really good job of that" said D-backs manager Torey Lovullo. "Despite falling behind 1-0, we came out, we played engaged baseball. We had so many quality at-bats, hustle plays, stolen bases, and good defensive plays. I thought it was a really good win for us today."
Every time it appeared the Dodgers were gaining momentum in this series, Arizona would either get a big two-out hit or make a big defensive stop to end an inning. That trend continued, as Arizona went 5-for-6 with runners in scoring position and two outs. The offensive contributions came throughout the entire lineup, with all nine starters recording a hit in this game. They ran wild on the bases, stealing five bases in all five attempts, which frustrated the Dodgers pitchers and catchers. Those characteristics are the hallmark of a playoff caliber team, something the organization is striving towards in 2023.
The D-backs hitter blitzed Dodgers starter Michael Grove, who lasted only 3.1 innings and allowed 12 hits and a walk to the 22 batters he faced. They were particularly aggressive hunting fastballs, as they averaged 96.6 MPH on the 11 balls they put into play against Grove. Arizona had a bit of fortuitous batted ball luck, as quite a few balls dropped in during key at-bats, but their strategy of putting pressure on the Dodgers defense proved to be very successful.
Josh Rojas, Geraldo Perdomo, Pavin Smith, Jake McCarthy, and Nick Ahmed each enjoyed multi-hit games. Smith was the most impactful of the group, triumphantly returning to the lineup with two hits, a walk, two runs scored, and three RBI. Both his hits were doubles, hit down each foul line, and came in pivotal moments of the game. Smith was brought up yesterday to fill in for Kyle Lewis, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with an illness.
"Pavin is a good hitter" said Lovullo. "I wasn't surprised by it. He goes line-to-line with two doubles, he stays on the ball, he follows the gameplan and he's very disciplined at the plate. I thought it was a really impressive approach."
Rookie right-hander Ryne Nelson looked shaky early in the game, as he allowed a run in the first and two in the third. He labored through those first three innings, throwing a total of 65 pitches.
"I think he was little shaky with his command early, but the last two or three innings he really did a nice job of throwing secondary stuff" said Lovullo. "He found a changeup in there, started to spin the baseball and land the breaking ball. I think it's all working off his fastball, when he starts dotting it up he becomes very impressive with what he's able to do".
Nelson retired the final 11 Dodgers he faced. His final pitching line was six innings, allowing three runs on four hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. It goes in the books as the first quality start and win for the D-backs rotation.
With the D-backs facing the Dodgers, Padres, and Brewers in their first 13 games of the season, Lovullo called it a good measuring stick opportunity for his team. 10 games in, they stand at 6-4. The next test starts tomorrow, with the Brewers rolling into Chase Field having won seven of their first nine games.
Tomorrow, the D-backs sent ace Zac Gallen to the mound to face Wade Miley, who pitched for Arizona from 2011-2014. First pitch is at 6:40PM tomorrow.
Following that they'll face Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff. It doesn't get any easier.
