Arizona Diamondbacks: Learning through the window of defeat

Despite dropping this series, the Arizona Diamondbacks feel good about competing with the Los Angles Dodgers.

If there is any consolation for the Arizona Diamondbacks in dropping an important series to the Los Angeles Dodgers it’s that, in the greater scheme, this means nothing.

Though the Dodgers will run away with the National League West division crown and end up with the best record in the majors this season, that is certainly no guarantee for post-season success. Just look at the Dodgers recent history.

The fact the Dodgers won the last four NL West titles and failed miserably in post-season could give the Diamondbacks a small measure of relief. If there is a minor consolation, the Diamondbacks have six games left with L.A. That includes three in the desert and three at Dodger Stadium. In the overall perspective, these games could also be inconsequential.

After the Diamondbacks dropped an 8-6 decision to the Dodgers in front of 31,396 that included Arizona Senator John McCain Thursday night at Chase Field, the defeat was just another number in this marathon. The true number is four, as in winning four games in the World Series and making this season a qualified success.

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If that experience remains in their crystal ball, the Diamondbacks will have to search for relief in the post-season. The runaway train that is the Dodgers shows no lack of momentum and only, it seems, their recent history stands in the way between stellar accomplishments of the regular season and October dreams.

All of which puts Diamondbacks’ manager Torey Lovullo at ease. While he shows concern about losing games, the long-term picture tends to be sharper. For now, there is solace in the way the Diamondbacks came back from down 8-2 and trimmed the final margin by two on Thursday night. To that point, Lovullo told Call to the Pen he has little anxiety.

"”We learned that the Dodgers are a first place club for a reason, and we can compete with them,” he said. “We know L.A. can make things happen in a hurry, but our players learned we’re right there with them. At this point, I have minimal concern.”"

That is also the kind of attitude from which left-hander Anthony Banda, Thursday’s starter, can benefit.

In his third start in the majors Thursday night, Banda missed with his fastball command early and paid. That’s when Kike Hernandez drilled a hanging curve into the left field corner with the bases loaded in the first and knocked home all base-runners. That three-run barrage put Banda quickly behind, but he settled in to record three scoreless innings before being lifted after four frames.

For his part, Banda has started against Washington, Madison Bumgarner of the Giants and Yu Darvish of the Dodgers. All of which presents an immediate education. After his latest outing against the Dodgers, Banda explained he would want no other introduction to the major leagues.

"“Being thrown in the fire, and I love it,” he said. “This is the only way I can prove myself and show that I belong here. Mentally, this is where you want to be, and you can only learn and grow.”"

Now, one of the Pine Boys

It’s official. Second baseman Brandon Drury is benched.

Coming into Thursday’s game with the Los Angeles Dodgers at home, Drury sported a .272 batting  average with nine homers and 44 RBI. Exactly two months ago, the native of Grants Pass, Oregon had a .283 average with six homers and 24 RBI. That’s not much of a surge in average and power.

The reason for his benching includes seven errors in 97 games, but also some of the intangibles of the game. That was addressed by manager Torey Lovullo before Thursday’s game. Reluctantly telling Call to the Pen that defense was the essential reason, Lovullo said the insertion of Daniel Descalso at second gives the Diamondbacks more experience and an important veteran presence down the stretch.

"“(Drury’s) role has changed and that was outlined to him,” Lovullo said. “His role is coming off the bench, and he is the process of winning back playing time.”"

Next: Frazier to DL, Hicks returns to Bronx

Coming into Thursday’s game, Descalso was hitting .233 with 12 doubles, three triples, six homers and 39 RBI, sixth-highest on the team. On Thursday night, Descalso went 3-for-4 and raised his season batting average to .242.

For now, Descalso will play second with Ketel Marte as the everyday shortstop. Veteran Adam Rosales serves as the back-up for these middle infield positions.