D-backs squander Arroyo’s effort, fall to Phillies: By The Numbers

Momentum from the Arizona Diamondbacks’ three-game winning streak could be seen Saturday, when they took the field against the Philadelphia Phillies.

That was early in the game.

The Diamondbacks jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first three innings, getting eight hits off of Phillies starter Cliff Lee, who struggled throughout the night.

Arizona’s own starting pitcher, Bronson Arroyo, had the best outing of his month-long Diamondbacks career, going 6.1 innings while allowing just two earned runs and giving his team their third consecutive quality start.

But the Diamondbacks bullpen faltered yet again, with some of the same-old characters wearing the blame.

Trevor Cahill fell to 1-5 on the season, thanks to a four-hit, three-run, two-walk effort over one 34-pitch inning. It was the first blown save of the right-hander’s career and he now has a 7.66 ERA on the season.

Beyond the bullpen woes, too, manager Kirk Gibson’s squad made numerous mistakes, both on the bases and in the field, where they recorded three errors.

Ultimately, the Phillies’ four-run eighth inning helped them to a 6-5 win, spoiling the Diamondbacks’ three-game winning streak.

Here’s a look at the Diamondbacks’ loss, by the numbers:

.328

Since starting the season by going 0-for-13 at the plate, centerfielder A.J. Pollock has hit 21-for-64 (.328). On Saturday, Pollock went 3-for-5 and came just a home run shy of the cycle.

2

Though beginning the season by going a dismal 1-for-22, Cody Ross collected two hits in four at-bats Saturday, also getting three RBI in the contest.

6.1

Arroyo garnered his first quality start in Sedona red, tossing 6.1 innings while allowing just two earned runs and seven hits. He struck out two and walked one in the effort.

7.66

Cahill (1-5) saw his ERA climb to 7.66 Saturday when he allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in the eighth inning, despite recording three solid relief outings since being demoted to the bullpen.

9

Cahill faced nine Phillies hitters in the eighth inning. Eight of them reached base safely.

13

The Phillies nickle-and-dimed Diamondbacks pitchers Saturday, recording 13 hits but just two for extra bases. Both of their extra-base hits were pinch-hit doubles. Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz and Marlon Byrd also each walked in the contest.

18.2

Before Arroyo allowed an earned run in the seventh inning of Saturday’s game, Diamondbacks starters had gone 18.2 consecutive innings without allowing a run. Arroyo became the second Diamondbacks starting pitcher to toss 6.0 scoreless innings this season.