The Arizona Diamondbacks: Navigating a Season of Highs and Lows
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, showcasing both moments of brilliance and instances of missteps. Despite winning seven out of their last eight series, the team has struggled to maintain consistency. This was particularly evident in their recent 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where a ninth-inning collapse by closer Paul Sewald prevented a sweep. This article delves into the Diamondbacks’ journey so far, their upcoming challenges, and key players to watch.
Recent Performance and Current Standings
The Diamondbacks have shown flashes of excellence this season, but inconsistency has plagued their efforts. The team hasn’t managed to sweep an opponent since May 9, when they completed a three-game sweep against the Cincinnati Reds. Currently, Arizona sits at 55-51, just half a game behind the third Wild Card spot. The National League Wild Card race is incredibly tight, with seven teams within five games of each other.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency has been a significant issue for the Diamondbacks. While they have won seven of their last eight series, they often find themselves unable to seal the deal. The recent game against the Pirates is a prime example. Leading 2-1 entering the ninth inning, a blown save by Paul Sewald turned what could have been a sweep into a loss.
The Upcoming Challenge: Washington Nationals
Next on the agenda for the Diamondbacks is a series against the Washington Nationals. The Nationals recently took two out of three games from the St. Louis Cardinals, scoring an impressive 28 runs in the process. Here’s what to expect in the upcoming games:
- Monday, 6:40 p.m.: LHP Jordan Montgomery (7-5, 6.11 ERA) vs. LHP Mitchell Parker (5-6, 4.34 ERA)
- Tuesday, 6:40 p.m.: RHP Ryne Nelson (7-6, 4.85 ERA) vs. LHP Patrick Corbin (2-10, 5.26 ERA)
- Wednesday, 12:40 p.m.: Zac Gallen (8-5, 3.70 ERA) vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore (6-8, 4.51 ERA)
Pitching Matchups and Key Players
Jordan Montgomery: A Reliable Return
Jordan Montgomery has been a solid performer for the Diamondbacks since his return from the injured list. In his last outing against the Kansas City Royals, he allowed just one earned run across five innings. Over his career, he has given up only two earned runs in 13.2 innings against the Nationals, making him a crucial player in the upcoming series.
Ryne Nelson: Road Warrior
Ryne Nelson has shown a remarkable ability to perform on the road. Four of his last five starts have been away games, where he has posted a 4-3 record with a 3.83 ERA. However, his performance at Chase Field has been less impressive, with a 6.21 ERA over 42 innings.
Zac Gallen: The Steady Hand
Zac Gallen has been one of the most consistent pitchers for the Diamondbacks this season. With an 8-5 record and a 3.70 ERA, he is expected to provide stability in the final game of the series against the Nationals.
Offensive Standouts: Diamondbacks’ Hitters
Jake McCarthy: The Speedster
Outfielder Jake McCarthy has been a standout performer for the Diamondbacks. Over the weekend against the Pirates, he managed five singles in Saturday’s win and an RBI triple on Sunday. Over the past month, he has slashed .311/.388/.433 and stolen 14 bases, making him a critical offensive asset.
Ketel Marte and Eugenio Suarez: The Power Duo
Ketel Marte and Eugenio Suarez have been on fire recently. Marte has homered in four of the past five games he has started, while Suarez has hit seven home runs since the beginning of July. Their power-hitting capabilities will be crucial in the upcoming series against the Nationals.
Washington Nationals: Players to Watch
Juan Yepez: The Rising Star
Juan Yepez has been in excellent form since his promotion from Triple-A Rochester on July 5. In 19 games, he has slashed .361/.407/.583, making him a significant threat to the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff.
C.J. Abrams: The Consistent Performer
Although C.J. Abrams has struggled in July, he remains a formidable opponent. He leads the Nationals in multiple categories, including hits (100), home runs (15), triples (6), doubles (21), and runs scored (63). Despite the Nationals’ overall struggles, Abrams’ consistency makes him a player to watch.
Broadcast Information
All three games against the Nationals will be televised on DBACKS.TV through channel 34 on Cox. The Tuesday and Wednesday games will also be available on MLB Network in some regions but will be blacked out locally. Radio broadcasts for all three games can be accessed via the Arizona Sports app, 98.7 FM, and ArizonaSports.com.
FAQs
What has been the key issue for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season?
The primary issue has been inconsistency, particularly in closing out games. Despite winning seven of their last eight series, they have struggled to sweep opponents and have had several late-inning collapses.
Who are the key players to watch for the Diamondbacks in the upcoming series?
Key players include pitchers Jordan Montgomery, Ryne Nelson, and Zac Gallen, as well as hitters Jake McCarthy, Ketel Marte, and Eugenio Suarez.
What can we expect from the Washington Nationals in the upcoming series?
The Nationals have been in good form recently, taking two out of three games from the St. Louis Cardinals and scoring 28 runs in the process. Key players to watch include Juan Yepez and C.J. Abrams.
Where can I watch or listen to the Diamondbacks’ games?
All three games will be televised on DBACKS.TV through channel 34 on Cox. The Tuesday and Wednesday games will also be available on MLB Network in some regions but will be blacked out locally. Radio broadcasts for all three games can be accessed via the Arizona Sports app, 98.7 FM, and ArizonaSports.com.
Conclusion
The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a season filled with highs and lows, showcasing both their potential and their flaws. As they prepare to face the Washington Nationals, the team will need to focus on maintaining consistency and capitalizing on their strengths. With key players like Jordan Montgomery, Ryne Nelson, Zac Gallen, Jake McCarthy, Ketel Marte, and Eugenio Suarez, the Diamondbacks have the talent to make a strong push for a Wild Card spot. Fans will be hoping for fewer late-game collapses and more moments of brilliance as the season progresses.
