ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs offense missing key players explodes against Cubs

Sep 19, 2018, 8:39 PM | Updated: 8:57 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker (53) celebrates his three-run home run against ...

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker (53) celebrates his three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs with Ildemaro Vargas (15) and Ketel Marte, back left, during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

File Wednesday night’s offensive performance from the Arizona Diamondbacks right next to all of the most unexpected performances of the Arizona sports year.

After losing 13 of their 17 games in September, including a 9-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo responded Wednesday with his lineup sheet.

He sat key bats Paul Goldschmidt, Eduardo Escobar, A.J. Pollock and David Peralta for the matchup with the Cubs.

With the D-backs down 6.0 games in the National League West race and only 10 games left in the team’s schedule, this was assumedly a move for Arizona to get a look at some other players heading into 2019.

Lovullo denied that being the case before the game, meaning it was more of a message that the offense’s production wasn’t good enough and the D-backs were still pursuing a playoff spot.

The response, at least from the players who got the opportunity, was there.

First baseman Christian Walker hit a three-run homer in the first off Cubs starter Cole Hamels. On the next at-bat, left fielder Patrick Kivlehan tripled and after shortstop Nick Ahmed fouled out, center fielder Chris Owings singled to bring home Kivlehan and make it 4-0 D-backs.

Shockingly, the players replacing the D-backs’ three most notable hitters — Goldschmidt, Peralta, and Pollock — were responsible for three of the four runs scored and all four RBI in their first run through the order.

They weren’t done there, adding three more runs in the bottom of the sixth via an Ahmed RBI single and a two-run homer by Owings. Because of starter Robbie Ray’s fine work on the mound, it was a 7-0 lead.

Through seven innings, catcher Jeff Mathis was the only position player without a hit.

That was until Mathis homered in the eighth, scoring two runs and bringing the lead to 9-0.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

14 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

19 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

20 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

1 day ago

Kevin Ginkel...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Kevin Ginkel has no problem if asked to close in Paul Sewald’s absence

Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel has not been told whether he will step into the closer role with Paul Sewald on the injured list.

2 days ago

D-backs offense missing key players explodes against Cubs