A Closer Look: Skaggs, D-backs drop opener to Reds at Chase Field
Aug 28, 2012, 4:17 AM | Updated: 5:25 am
Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a baseball game. So, we will give you a closer look, providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the D-backs’ August 27 loss to the Reds. Final score: Reds 3, Diamondbacks 2.
The Good:
The one bright spot in another disappointing loss for the Diamondbacks is a productive night offensively by right-fielder Justin Upton. He launched a solo home run in the second inning for his 11th of the season and stroked an RBI single in the fourth. Upton has now reached base safely in 20 straight home games.
Another positive, but this one on the pitching side, is David Hernandez has recorded a strikeout in a career-high 17 straight games with 24 K’s.
The Bad:
The Diamondbacks have now lost four straight and are 2-6 on this 10-game homestand. They are also 4-11 in their last 15 home games since an eight-game win streak at Chase Field from July 6-24.
Also with the loss Monday night, Arizona is 2-10 in its last 12 games at home against Cincinnati and they are 2-3 in this season’s series with the Reds.
Noted:
Reds starter Bronson Arroyo has been pretty good this season. He is 4-0 with a 2.86 ERA in his last four starts and 7-1 with a 3.44 ERA in his last eight. This is the first time Arroyo has won four straight starts since May 10-26, 2012.
He Said It:
Diamondbacks rookie starter Tyler Skaggs talked about how he seems to get better on the mound with runners in scoring position.
“I mean it’s tough. That’s the competitor. A couple leadoff doubles and then a leadoff walk, just gotta go out there and make your pitches,” Skaggs said. I mean, you gotta grit your teeth out there. They’re tough hitters, real tough hitters and they’re a first place team.”
Up Next:
The Diamondbacks play game two of this series against the Reds Tuesday night at Chase Field. They’ll look to Wade Miley to get them back on track and he’ll face Johnny Cueto for the Reds. Miley is looking for his 15th win this season and Cueto is 16-6 thus far.
The D-backs will wrap up this three-game series with the Reds on Wednesday. After that, they play 25 straight games against NL West opponents. This season they are 23-21 against their division with a 12-13 mark at home and 11-8 on the road.
