One-run games proving to be the difference for D-backs
Aug 17, 2012, 7:41 PM | Updated: 9:28 pm
When the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 Thursday they not only topped the defending World Series champions for the first time this season, but also did something that has been much too rare this season:
Win a one-run game.
The victory pushed the D-backs’ record to 9-17 in such contests, a number that pales in comparison to the 28-16 mark they boasted last season.
It’s not a coincidence that last year’s team won the NL West while this year’s has struggled to be mediocre.
And while you may be looking for someone to blame, your best bet is the team’s bats.
Last year’s D-backs played in so many close games because, quite frankly, they made so many games close. The team rallied night after night, stealing wins when it seemed defeat was the only option.
Check out these stats, courtesy of Charlie Feinerman’s “Touch ‘Em All” column, as they will help paint the picture:
