Holland suffers 1st blown save, D-backs set K record in win vs. Rays

Diamondbacks closer Greg Holland suffered his first blown save in his 13th appearance this season, leading to extra innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

His bullpen-mates had his back. Arizona went ahead on a bases-loaded single by Wilmer Flores in the top of the 13th inning to take a 3-2 lead, and the pitchers combined for a franchise-record 23 strikeouts in the win.

Holland hadn’t allowed a run until Friday, when he was tagged for one run while walking two batters as Arizona held on to beat the Colorado Rockies, 10-9. The right-hander entered Wednesday with a 0.75 ERA and eight saves on the year, having allowed three hits in 12.0 innings pitched this season.

But with Arizona ahead 2-1 heading into the ninth frame on Wednesday, Holland found trouble. He induced a ground-out and struck out pinch-hitter Ji-Man Choi before Yandy Diaz doubled to center field. After an intentional walk of Tommy Pham, Kevin Kiermaier singled of Holland to score Diaz, tying the game, 2-2.

The Diamondbacks got out of the ninth after throwing Pham out at home.

The game on Wednesday provided a glimpse at how Arizona manager Torey Lovullo has altered his bullpen decisions after he moved Archie Bradley out of his setup role. After starter Robbie Ray lasted 5.2 innings, allowing no earned runs, the D-backs turned to Andrew Chafin to get out of the sixth inning.

Yoan Lopez gave up the first Tampa run, which was unearned, while pitching the full seventh frame before Yoshi Hirano and T.J. McFarland combined to get through the eighth inning.

Bradley didn’t enter the game until the 10th, striking out five in 3.0 scoreless innings coming off his Sunday appearance in which he allowed four earned runs and five total in a 8-7 loss to the Rockies.

Former starter Zack Godley came out of the bullpen in relief, tossing the 13th and final inning of the victory.

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