Despite an elevated pitch count, Robbie Ray of the Arizona Diamondbacks had enough to pick up his fourth straight win.
On a day when left-hander Robbie Ray of the Arizona Diamondbacks was not at the top of his game, Ray’s mediocrity was likely better than the best of several other pitchers.
Laboring through a 28-pitch first inning and 84 pitches through the opening four innings, Ray gutted out six innings and came away with a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres before 23,854 at Chase Field.
Ray’s victory snapped a modest two-game Arizona losing streak and maintained a five-game lead over the Colorado Rockies for first spot in the National League Wild Card chase. With the Rox moving into the desert for the next four games, the Diamondbacks have an opportunity to truly solidify the National League top Wild Card position.
Ray’s effort was complemented by another multi-home run game from J.D. Martinez. Coming off a record-tying four homers against the Dodgers, Martinez slammed round-trippers in the second and sixth innings to power the win. The effort was Martinez’s sixth multi-homer game this season and his fourth with Arizona. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt also reached the seats with his 34th this season on his 30th birthday.
The home runs by Martinez continue to accumulate. With the two homers, Martinez has now hit 21 round-trippers with Arizona in 45 games. That makes him the second-fastest player in the history of the game to reach 20 home runs with a new team in the fewest amount of games. Only Mark McGwire with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997 reached 20 home runs in 42 games with the Redbirds.
That kind of production drew amazement from reliever Archie Bradley, who told Call to the Pen he continues to be astonished by Martinez’s achievements.
"“I’m don’t know that much about the history of the game, but the deal to get J.D. has to be one of the biggest deals ever,” he said. “Look, this was a really big win for us. We lost the first two games here, and looking at a sweep.”"
If Bradley is having a career season as a reliever (1.23 ERA in 57 appearances, his first save Sunday), he continues to be a dominant personality in the clubhouse. Radiating energy, his appearance on the mound at Chase Field sends electricity through the stands. All of which prompts Bradley to default as the prime cheerleader.
"“If I’m the one who is to carry on in the dugout and scream the loudest, I love it,” he told Call to the Pen. “This is greatest time in my life right now, and I love every guy in here. This team is playing so well, and we care so much for each other. I love coming in here every day.”"
Despite a protracted outing, Ray was effective when needed. That included his major weapon, the strikeout. For the six frames, Ray fanned 12, and that’s good enough for the ninth time this season Ray has fanned 10 or more hitters in a game. Ray recorded strikeouts for the first six outs of the game, and then picked up four straight punch-outs between the fourth and fifth innings.
Though he tended to struggle, Ray told Call to the Pen there may have been some factors at work.
"“San Diego is a much different team than what we saw earlier this season,” he said. “They swing the bats very well, and aggressive at the plate. Early in the game, I had a little problem with fast ball command, but manage to throw quality pitches for strikes when I had to do that. Considering how the game went, the fact I was able to go six innings was huge.”"
No change, thank you
After his latest implosion in taking a bitter loss against San Diego on Saturday, manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen that Fernando Rodney remains his closer.
Despite a few well-publicized meltdowns, Rodney is not going anywhere anytime soon. Earning 36 saves in 42 opportunities, Lovullo believes these numbers speak volumes for the value Rodney holds for this team. At the same time, Lovullo flatly dismissed the temptation to move Archie Bradley into the closer role.
"“Rodney has had a tremendous season, and we would not be where we are without him,” Lovullo told Call to the Pen before Sunday’s game with San Diego. “Look, every closer will have their moments, and that’s the nature of the beast. I’ll take his numbers and focus on the 36.”"
Roster moves
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Before Sunday’s game with San Diego, the Diamondbacks recalled first baseman Christian Walker from Triple-A Reno.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the club transfered pitcher Randall Delgado to the 60-day disabled list.
Named as the 2017 Pacific Coast League MVP, Walker finished with 32 homers, knocked in 114 runs and recorded 75 extra-base hits. Walker was acquired off waivers from Cincinnati on March 28. Previously in the majors, he appeared in 13 games with the Orioles in parts of two seasons and went 4-for-27 (.148 batting average).
In the seventh inning Sunday, Walker came up as pinch hitter and flied out to center in his Arizona debut.
Next: Who wins final NL Wild Card?
Next
The Colorado Rockies now move into Chase Field for four games.
On Monday night, Zack Grienke (16-6, 3.01 ERA) opens the series against Kyle Freeland (11-10, 3.99). On Tuesday, look for Taijuan Walker (9-7, 3.33) to take on Jon Gray (7-4, 4.07). For Wednesday night, it’s Patrick Corbin (13-12, 4.16) facing German Marquez (10-6, 4.27). The Thursday matinee finale features Zack Godley (7-7, 3.18) taking on Chad Bettis (1-2, 4.98).