The Recap (8/19/17) – D-backs 0, Twins 5: Tough Day in the Twin Cities
The Diamondbacks came into Saturday’s game needing a boost from their ace, Zack Greinke. He’s been so good this year at giving the team a pick-me-up right when they need it. Eight times this season he’s gotten a win the game after the team has lost. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen on Saturday.
Why the D-backs lost
The 4th inning was the only inning that either team scored in the game. It was the Minnesota Twins that reeled off five runs in the bottom of the inning. Greinke had to throw 38 pitches — for 96 total in the game — to get out of the inning. Done in by five singles including an infield single, a walk and an error.
Key moment
In the bottom of the 4th inning, after the Twins’ Eddie Rosario had singled to reach base, Eduardo Escobar hit a slow dribbler to second baseman Daniel Descalso. As Rosario ran by, Descalso attempted to pick up the ball and tag Rosario. He rushed the play, taking his eye off his glove, and the ball bounced off the heel of the glove allowing both runners to get on base safely. The play was scored an error and ended up leading to five runs.
Stats that matter
- Greinke had his shortest outing of the year – 4 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K, 96 pitches
- Offensively, the D-backs could get nothing going – 2 H, 1 BB, 0-for-2 with RISP
Bottom line
The D-backs have leaned on Greinke a lot this year, only this time he wasn’t able to come through. It happens, no one is going to win them all. The real question is: What does this team do from here?
The D-backs lead in the NL Wild Card race is now down to 3 1/2 games and there’s plenty of baseball left in the season. The team will play one more in Minneapolis before they head to New York to take on the Mets for four games and then head home to play three against the Giants. Those seven games — all winnable — are looming large.
On deck
The D-backs try to pick up the last game of the series on Sunday at 11:10 am MT. It’s a bullpen day as T.J. McFarland will take the ball for the D-backs.
