Strikeouts mounting as Diamondbacks’ slump continues
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ loss to Astros | 1:17
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo thought “something clicked” for his team offensively on Wednesday night in a loss to the Astros.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker on loss vs. Astros | 1:35
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker did not think luck was on his side on Wednesday night, when he gave up five runs (three earned) in five innings against the Astros.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBChris Herrmann on D-Backs’ dressing up for Houston | 0:18
Catcher Chris Herrmann talks about the Diamondbacks dressing up like astronauts for their trip to Houston after Tuesday’s afternoon game.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJake Lamb on loss to Astros | 0:35
Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb discusses his team’s loss to the Astros on Tuesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBAllhands: Can this baseball marriage be saved? | 1:10
Maricopa County and the Arizona Diamondbacks are having marital problems. Columnist Joanna Allhands dispenses some Peanuts-style advice.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on Zack Greinke’s strong outing vs. the Astros | 1:07
Lovullo: “He gave us a chance to play downhill baseball.” Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Godley on outing vs. Cubs | 0:53
Godley: Made a couple of mistakes early Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on series loss to Cubs | 0:59
Lovullo: Godley gave team chance to win; offense couldn’t take advantage of Jake Arieta’s mistakes. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPatrick Corbin tosses 6 2/3 scoreless innings vs. Cubs | 1:57
Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin bounced back from a rough outing against the Cubs earlier this month.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ win over Cubs | 1:33
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Patrick Corbin’s outing in a 6-2 win over the Cubs on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker on early struggles in loss | 1:38
Diamondbacks starter Taijuan Walker discusses his struggles in the first two innings of Friday’s home loss to the Cubs. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ opening loss to Cubs | 1:40
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses his team’s 8-3 loss to the visiting Chicago Cubs on Friday. Bob McManaman/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on his team’s loss to the Dodgers | 2:14
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo speaks to the media following his team’s loss to the Dodgers.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBAnthony Banda on his rough outing against the Dodgers | 1:13
Diamondbacks starter Anthony Banda speaks to the media following his outing against the Dodgers.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Concerned about D-Backs’ Greinke? | 1:54
Dan Bickley and Scott Bordow discuss Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke’s performance in the game against the Dodgers Wednesday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke laments his final inning in loss to Dodgers | 1:53
Zack Greinke discusses the mistakes he made in the seventh inning of the Diamondbacks’ loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo after D-Backs’ loss to Dodgers | 2:33
Manager Torey Lovullo discusses the Diamondbacks’ “tough” loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday at Chase Field. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBArchie Bradley after win: ‘This is our home field’ | 1:30
Diamondbacks reliever Archie Bradley talks about the emotions involved in defending home field against the Dodgers on Tuesday at Chase Field. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Opinion changing on Bonds in Hall? | 1:56
Doug Haller and Mark Faller discuss Barry Bonds and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJake Lamb on his grand slam to beat Dodgers | 2:04
Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb discusses his grand slam in the seventh inning to lead his team to a win over the Dodgers on Tuesday. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ ‘pretty special’ win over Dodgers | 2:40
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s win over the Dodgers on Tuesday at Chase Field. Richard Morin/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on disappointing finish to D-Backs’ trip | 1:58
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about the Diamondbacks’ 6-3 loss to the Giants on Sunday, which ended their 10-game road trip with a 5-5 record.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBAnthony Banda on his first big-league victory | 1:29
Anthony Banda talks about how it feels to win his first game in the big leagues.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo talks about Anthony Banda’s win vs. Giants | 2:00
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was impressed with Anthony Banda’s ability to make adjustments during his outing against the Giants on Friday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMcCain’s stadium advice, best AZ sports moment | 4:16
Arizona Senator John McCain joins the Shot Clock to talk Arizona sports.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPaul Goldschmidt after three-homer game vs. Cubs | 1:49
Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt talks about his three-homer game on Thursday afternoon against the Cubs.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on D-Backs’ wild win over Cubs | 1:37
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 10-8 win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday at Wrigley Field.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJake Lamb on D-Backs’ bounce-back win over Cubs | 1:24
Third baseman Jake Lamb talks about the Diamondbacks’ ability to bounce back from an ugly loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on Godley’s performance, Lamb’s clutch hits | 1:33
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about Zack Godley’s strong six innings and Jake Lamb’s two run-scoring doubles in a win over the Cubs.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on miscues, Descalso’s pitching in 16-4 loss to Cubs | 1:32
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s defensive miscues and infielder Daniel Descalso’s relief appearance.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBPatrick Corbin on rough outing vs. Cubs | 1:05
Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin says he made too many mistakes against the Cubs on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShot Clock: Who’s at shortstop for D-Backs? | 1:55
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and J.J. Hensley discuss the changes with the Diamondbacks.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTorey Lovullo on loss to Cardinals, injury to Owings | 1:12
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team’s 3-2 loss on Sunday and Chris Owings’ fractured finger.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker on his mistakes vs. Cardinals | 1:33
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker talks about the mistakes he made in a 3-2 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBRobbie Ray talks about the line drive that hit him | 2:13
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray talks about what he remembers from Friday night, when he was struck on the head by a line drive in the second inning.
Chris Herrmann on D-Backs’ dressing up for Houston
Jake Lamb on loss to Astros
Allhands: Can this baseball marriage be saved?
Torey Lovullo on Zack Greinke’s strong outing vs. the Astros
Zack Godley on outing vs. Cubs
Torey Lovullo on series loss to Cubs
Patrick Corbin tosses 6 2/3 scoreless innings vs. Cubs
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ win over Cubs
Taijuan Walker on early struggles in loss
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ opening loss to Cubs
Torey Lovullo on his team’s loss to the Dodgers
Anthony Banda on his rough outing against the Dodgers
Shot Clock: Concerned about D-Backs’ Greinke?
Zack Greinke laments his final inning in loss to Dodgers
Torey Lovullo after D-Backs’ loss to Dodgers
Archie Bradley after win: ‘This is our home field’
Shot Clock: Opinion changing on Bonds in Hall?
Jake Lamb on his grand slam to beat Dodgers
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ ‘pretty special’ win over Dodgers
Torey Lovullo on disappointing finish to D-Backs’ trip
Anthony Banda on his first big-league victory
Torey Lovullo talks about Anthony Banda’s win vs. Giants
McCain’s stadium advice, best AZ sports moment
Paul Goldschmidt after three-homer game vs. Cubs
Torey Lovullo on D-Backs’ wild win over Cubs
Jake Lamb on D-Backs’ bounce-back win over Cubs
Torey Lovullo on Godley’s performance, Lamb’s clutch hits
Torey Lovullo on miscues, Descalso’s pitching in 16-4 loss to Cubs
Patrick Corbin on rough outing vs. Cubs
Shot Clock: Who’s at shortstop for D-Backs?
Torey Lovullo on loss to Cardinals, injury to Owings
Taijuan Walker on his mistakes vs. Cardinals
Robbie Ray talks about the line drive that hit him
HOUSTON – Ketel Marte swung so hard his helmet came off in the seventh inning on Wednesday night, and after he picked it up, he banged his bat against it on his slow walk back to the dugout. The strikeout was Marte’s second of the night and the 10th of 13 the Diamondbacks would record in a 9-5 loss to the Houston Astros.
As the losses have piled up for the Diamondbacks in recent weeks, so, too, have the strikeouts. Well, in reality, the strikeouts have always been there; it’s just that their recent shortage of runs caused by an inability to hit with runners in scoring position have made the swings and misses harder to overlook.
The single-game totals also have been especially glaring lately. On Tuesday, the Diamondbacks struck out 17 times, and twice in the past three weeks they have punched out 15 times. Wednesday was the 10th time they’ve reached 13 strikeouts since July 4.
Entering the day, they had 1,099 strikeouts as a team, the fifth-most in the majors. Jake Lamb had a team-high 118, followed by Paul Goldschmidt’s 111. Goldschmidt and Lamb, both All-Stars, have been the club’s most productive hitters.
For the Diamondbacks, the strikeouts seem to register somewhere between zero and minimal on the concern scale. Manager Torey Lovullo said he was “uncomfortable” watching his team punch out 17 times on Tuesday, but while he said he’d like to see improvement in their two-strike approaches, he didn’t seem to view the season totals as a major concern.
As he noted, the Diamondbacks entered Wednesday averaging 4.9 runs per game, the fourth-best mark in the NL. Of course, since June 28, when the Diamondbacks’ prolonged slump began, they rank just 12th in the league in runs.
“The last couple of weeks,” Lovullo said, “I know that things haven’t been going as great as they have been previously. Maybe that’s a sign that we need to square up our pitches or grind out pitches with two strikes.”
The players seem even less concerned. For them, strikeouts are harmful in certain situations. Otherwise, they seem to view them as just another out. And while they acknowledge that a ball in play can sometimes lead to good things, there’s an argument that it might not be worth the cost.
“There’s definitely times I can look back and say I wish I would have put that ball in play,” Lamb said. “There’s also times where you’re trying to put a ball in play and a ball is right down the middle, and if I would have taken my ‘A’ swing, that ball is a double or a homer. You can always go back and forth with it.”
It’s somewhat of a hot-button topic for a fan base that watched the Diamondbacks strike out 1,529 times during the 2010 season, setting what was then a major-league record. That total has since been eclipsed by two clubs – the 2016 Milwaukee Brewers (1,543) and the 2013 Astros (1,535) – and two clubs this season, the Brewers (again) and the Tampa Bay Rays, are on pace to set new all-time records.
“It’s not something that we’re talking about or worried about,” infielder Daniel Descalso said. “I think strikeouts are up all across the board.”
Descalso noted that the harm caused by a strikeout depends on the situation, but, like Lamb, he doesn’t think hitters are best served selling out for contact. He thinks strikeouts are partly a byproduct of deep counts, and he rattled off a list of opposing starters whose high pitch counts led them to early exits.
“Do you want to go up and just put the first thing in play that comes near or over the plate?” he said. “Maybe not. I think a lot of times we have a good approach and the pitcher is trying to counter that approach, and you don’t want to just go up there and swing at whatever comes over the plate. …
“I’m just trying to focus on getting a good pitch to hit. Sometimes a guy makes a couple of good pitches and you find yourself in a hole and you may strike out.”
The Diamondbacks struck out six times in their first eight trips to the plate on Wednesday against the Astros’ Charlie Morton, who limited them to one run in 6 1/3 innings. Trailing 5-1, they got back in the game on the strength of back-to-back homers by Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez in the eighth, but a bullpen implosion led to four Astros runs in the next half-inning.
The loss, their eighth in the past 11, cost them another game in the wild-card standings. They hold just a four-game advantage over the Milwaukee Brewers for the second wild card, and the Colorado Rockies lead by a game for the first one.
“We have so long to go and we have a lot of the story that we’ve yet to tell,” Lovullo said. “I know that we aren’t playing our best baseball, and I know that seasons have their ups and downs and we’re not winning games right now. It’s very obvious. But I think our guys are going to turn this thing around.”