By the numbers: D-backs offense fails to produce against Rangers, Padres
Apr 14, 2019, 5:01 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks Nick Ahmed (13) talks with umpire Mike Winters after striking out against the San Diego Padres in the second inning during a baseball game, Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Following a 15-run explosion in their home opener against Boston last Friday, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ offense went cold.
A rough week at the plate in which Arizona scored four runs or fewer three times saw the D-backs split a two-game series with the Texas Rangers before losing three of four to the San Diego Padres.
The D-backs sit at 7-9 and in third place in the National League West through three weeks.
They now hit the road for a 10-game trip that begins Tuesday in Atlanta against the Braves.
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Here are the important numbers for the D-backs from this past week:
.237
The batting average for the D-backs this week, a statistic that was inflated 20 points on Sunday following a 13-hit performance. The lack of offense hurt Arizona in three one-run losses during the week, including a 2-1 loss to San Diego on Friday in which the final 19 hitters failed to reach base.
.185
Average with runners in scoring position for the D-backs against the Rangers and Padres. The inability to get the big hit — or big hits — had a lot to do with the down offensive week and tough luck in one-run games. David Peralta’s pinch-hit, 3-run home run proved to be the difference for the D-backs on Sunday but even so, they were just 2-of-9 with RISP.
42
Walks by D-backs hitters through three weeks. Entering Sunday, the league average was 50 and Arizona ranked No. 23 in the MLB in free passes. Obviously, not having Paul Goldschmidt around has hurt but it’s concerning that the D-backs’ hitters aren’t finding a way to get on base when they’re not hitting well. Ketel Marte hasn’t walked in 63 at-bats this season and David Peralta and Nick Ahmed have each walked just twice. Last season, Arizona finished No. 9 in the MLB in walks.
8
Strikeouts in 18 at-bats this week for Christian Walker. The first baseman has had an extended chance to see playing time with Jake Lamb out with an injury and it’s been a rough go at the plate recently. Walker struck out four times on Wednesday and three times on Saturday. He may be coming out of his slump, though. Walker was 3-for-4 with a home run in Sunday’s win.
13
Innings the D-backs led in the last six games. If it felt like Arizona was always playing from behind, it’s for a good reason. Until Ketel Marte’s third inning home run on Sunday, it had been 26 innings since the D-backs had a lead. Quicker starts and the ability to hold a lead will be keys on the upcoming road trip.
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