D-backs’ Luke Weaver struggles through 4 innings in loss to Nationals

Apr 17, 2021, 3:57 PM | Updated: 4:11 pm

Luke Weaver #24 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches to a Washington Nationals batter in the second inning at Nationals Park on April 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

It was a rough day on the mound for Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Luke Weaver against the Washington Nationals.

The 27-year-old pitcher couldn’t carry momentum from his last game, seven innings of shutout baseball against the Cincinnati Reds. On Saturday, Weaver only got through four innings as he gave up four runs in the 6-4 D-backs loss.

Nationals catcher Yan Gomes hit a solo home run in the second inning, and then Washington tallied three more in the fourth.

“That’s the way baseball goes sometimes. A rally on their side just continues to take momentum. And they took advantage of it,” Weaver said in a Zoom press conference after the game.

Despite the four earned runs and nine hits allowed, Weaver said he saw some positives in his performance.

“I thought I made some pretty big pitches when I needed to. There was probably a few that weren’t executed very well, but they were minimal damage,” he said.

Like Friday night, the Diamondbacks offense couldn’t provide any support. They recorded just six hits, only one of which came in the bottom four innings. Washington pitcher Erick Fedde allowed one run and struck out nine through five innings, and the only hit Arizona could get off the bullpen was a sixth-inning home run off the bat of Eduardo Escobar.

After hitting a home run in four games in a row from April 8-11, Escobar now has two more in his last three games.

Tim Locastro’s record streak of 29 straight stolen bases to start a career came to a close in the third inning when he was thrown out going for second. More importantly than the streak, though, was that he dislocated his left pinky finger and is expected to head to the injured list.

“Saw it was not facing the right way,” Locastro said. “Looked down again and got worried and saw some blood.”

The 28-year-old received four stitches. The finger was straightened and placed into a splint.

UP NEXT

With back-to-back losses, the D-backs will look to split the four-game series with the finale against Washington on Sunday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 a.m.

Catch all the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow @AZSports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Kole Calhoun, left, celebrates his solo home run with David Peralta during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Tim Locastro leaves the game with an injured finger after being caught stealing during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Luke Weaver throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Washington Nationals' Trea Turner steals second base as Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (13) misses the throw during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner, left, catches a fly ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks' Eduardo Escobar during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. Third baseman Starlin Castro backs up the play. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Tim Locastro is out on the steal attempt with the tag from Washington Nationals second baseman Starlin Castro during the third inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. Locastro injured his finger and left the game. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Erick Fedde (23) talks with pitching coach Jim Hickey, third from right, and others during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.