The Recap (8/21/17) – D-backs 3, Mets 2: Pollock’s 10th Inning Homer Fuels Win

Coming into tonight’s game against the hapless Mets, the Diamondbacks were having difficulty in all areas of their game. Both teams are under .500 in the second half of the season, but that’s where the similarities end. For the D-backs, this series poses the chance to get things back on track. With tonight’s win, I wouldn’t exactly charecteristic things as being A-okay now, but it is a small step in the right direction (box score).

Why the d-backs won

Timely pitching was the key to the win tonight for the D-backs. The Mets finished 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Even though the Mets managed 11 hits and three walks, they could never put hits together when they needed them. Give credit to Taijuan Walker and the six relievers who chipped in for the outstanding effort.

Key Moments

After giving up back-to-back walks to load the bases in the bottom of the 7th inning, Archie Bradley gave up a single to Yoenis Cespedes. One run scored and, as David Peralta fielded the ball, Asdrubal Cabrera charged home representing the lead run. He was cut down at the plate on a perfect throw by Peralta.

In the top of the 10th inning, with the game tied at 1-1, Gregor Blanco led off with a walk. One out later, A.J. Pollock came to bat and stroked a deep home run to center field to give the D-backs a 3-2 lead.

Stats that matter

• Walker wasn’t close to perfect but he stepped up when he needed to – 5.1 IP, 0 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K
• The bullpen did a great job holding this game together to get the win – 4.2 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K, HR allowed
• A.J. Pollock’s home run was his only hit but it was the one that got the win
• It wasn’t pretty but Fernando Rodney got his 28th save tonight after giving up a home run to cut the lead to one run in the bottom of the 10th

Bottom line

This was far from a pretty win for the Diamondbacks, but at this point, they’ll take it. If anything, it was most certainly a gritty performance against a team they should beat. The key tonight was that they didn’t panic and managed to come through when they needed it. On to the next one.

On deck

Patrick Corbin takes the hill on Tuesday at 4:10 pm MT for the second game in this four-game series at Citi Field in New York.