Late Surge Propels D-backs to Fifth Consecutive Series Win

The nine-game losing streak is firmly in the rearview mirror for the Diamondbacks, as they defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 at Chase Field. They have now won five consecutive innings, going 12-3 over that stretch, evening their August record to 12-12.

"We have a culture here that's built on resiliency, adaptability, and just focus, effort, and preparation," said D-backs manager Torey Lovullo. "I'm extremely proud of this group, the belief they have in one another. That clubhouse is extremely connected, and when they remain that way they can do some pretty powerful things."

That resiliency was on full display once again, as the D-backs scored four runs between the seventh and eighth inning. In all three of their wins in the series, they've put up a crooked number in the eighth.

"I think it's just engagement at the right time, and we're assessing what's going on and we get a targeted reaction to something" said Lovullo. "Somebody gets on, somebody gets a big base hit, a long at-bat, walks, and it just gives us energy."

That moment came in the seventh inning when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. crushed a ball halfway up the left field bleachers to tie the game.

No. 20 for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. ties the ball game. pic.twitter.com/nlOiVHeCEW
— Michael McDermott (@MichaelMcD8393) August 27, 2023

Up to that point, the D-backs struggled to link at-bats against Reds starter Graham Ashcraft. Ashcraft kept Arizona hitters guessing, mixing in cutters and sliders to great effect, as they were only able to scratch a run across on a couple well-placed hits in the first six innings. They had an opportunity to tack onto a 1-0 lead in the fifth, as Corbin Carroll tripled off the center field wall before getting gunned down at home plate by Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz.

Corbin Carroll vs Elly De La Cruz.

De La Cruz: 99.7mph missile to get him. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/5xlBGnOxq2
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 27, 2023

After the Gurriel home run, Scott McGough delivered a scoreless eighth to give his teammates an opportunity to win the game. The first three hitters each drew walks to load the bases with no outs. Arizona cashed in big on that opportunity, with two sacrifice flies and a single scoring them all. Ryan Thompson closed out the ninth in his D-backs debut, retiring all three hitters faced on a day where closer Paul Sewald and key setup man Kevin Ginkel were unavailable, to pick up his first save.

This comeback would not have been possible without the efforts of rookie right-hander Slade Cecconi. Cecconi held the Reds to just one run in 5 2/3 innings, showing impressive fastball command in his start, and struck out five while not issuing a walk. Combined with Pfaadt's emergence as a capable big league starter and Zach Davies being healthy, the D-backs rotation is taking shape in the final five weeks of the season.

"That's what starting pitching does," said Lovullo. "It allows you to sit back and sort through your bullpen the right way. It's nice to get the stability, two starting pitchers that we necessarily had not had. One because Davies wasn't here, the other one because it was a bullpen day with Slade, and it was nice to get both into the sixth inning."

Arizona is now 69-62 on the season, holding the third Wild Card spot in the National League by a game and a half with 31 to play. They will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers with not only a chance to win the season series, but also compare themselves against one of the best teams in the NL. Zac Gallen takes the ball in the series opener tomorrow, opposed by rookie Bobby Miller, with first pitch at Dodger Stadium scheduled for 7:10pm.