D-backs waste Zach Davies’ 7.2 shutout innings as Pirates walk off Arizona

Pitching and defense are what the Arizona Diamondbacks pride themselves on.

But those two factors weren’t quite enough for the D-backs (26-28) in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates (23-28) at PNC Park.

Valley native and Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zach Davies went 7.2 innings and only allowed three hits and two walks while striking out six across 101 pitches (62 strikes).

Davies even retired 18 consecutive batters at one point before getting into some trouble in the bottom of the eighth.

Ian Kennedy was able to come in and escape the two-out bases-loaded jam by striking out Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to set up closer Mark Melancon for what would’ve been his 12th save of the season.

But unfortunately for the D-backs, Melancon blew the save by giving up a leadoff single that was followed by the game-winning walk-off home run by Jack Suwinski.

Arizona scored the ballgame’s lone run without even swinging the bat, as Ketel Marte came home to score from third on a wild pitch ball four to Alek Thomas in the top of the sixth inning.

Defensively, the D-backs were once again at the top of their game and turned a cheeky double play thanks to the quick thinking of first baseman Christian Walker.

EXTRA BASES

Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte extended his career-high hitting streak to 16 games.

UP NEXT

The D-backs go for the series win over the Pirates on Sunday at 10:35 a.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Arizona RHP Zac Gallen (4-0, 2.32 ERA) is scheduled to start against Pittsburgh RHP Zach Thompson (2-4, 5.18 ERA).

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