D-backs Swept by Reds After 7-3 Loss

Offense still stuck in neutral and bullpen game doesn't work for Torey Lovullo

The Diamondbacks slump has turned into a free fall after they were swept by the Reds in a three game series, losing today 7-3. The loss concludes a 2-7 road trip and what must be a demoralizing 4-12 down turn for the once promising D-backs.  With the loss they are on the precipice of falling out of playoff position. 

Torey Lovullo was forced to employ a bullpen game due to injuries to Zach Davies and Merrill Kelly. That backfired as Jose Ruiz got the opener's role and surrendered two homers, one to Elly De La Cruz in the first inning and a two run shot by Nick Senzel in the second inning, spotting the Reds to a 3-0 lead.

Former Diamondback Luke Weaver was able to pitch four scoreless innings despite giving up a slew of base runners. That was because the D-backs hitters couldn't come through with the big hit and also had two more outs on base, this time by Ketel Marte and Christian Walker, continuing a team-wide issue from earlier in the road trip.  They finally broke through against Weaver with three runs in the 5th inning, thanks to a throwing error and then a two-run bomb by Corbin Carroll to tie it up at 3-3. It was Carroll's  21st homer of the year and 3rd in his last four games. 

446 feet on this homer for Corbin Carrol tied the game 3-3 in the 5th
pic.twitter.com/6qjsADYX9o

— Jack Sommers (@shoewizard59) July 23, 2023

The D-backs bullpen managed to keep the Reds off the board through the bottom of the fifth, but Tyler Gilbert came into the game in the 6th and allowed the go ahead run on an RBI double by Jake Fraley. Then after giving up a leadoff base hit in the 8th he was lifted for Miguel Castro who had another poor outing. Two singles, a walk and another single later the Reds had scored three runs blowing it open.

The D-backs managed to load the bases thanks to a leadoff triple to Geraldo Perdomo and two walks, one to Marte and one to Walker. But a slumping Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who was 0-5 for the day, hit into a game-ending double play.  The D-backs were one for nine with runners in scoring position and left 11 men left on base. 

One June 28th the D-backs had a 2.5 game lead in the NL West over the Dodgers.  Since then they have gone 6-14 and are now  four games behind in the division. They still cling to a slim 0.5 game lead over the Marlins and Phillies for the final Wild Card spot. 

Arizona returns home for a six game home stand starting tomorrow night against the St. Louis Cardinals. First pitch is 6:40pm.