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D-backs Battle Tough, But Lose to Braves On Late Homer

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Diamondbacks
By Michael McDermott | Last updated 6/4/23

The Diamondbacks entered this series with a lot to play for, with the first place Atlanta Braves coming into town. Despite fighting tough all weekend, they were not able to finish the series. Protecting a one-run lead, Miguel Castro served up a grand slam to Eddie Rosario that sunk the D-backs 8-5.

The D-backs had an opportunity to make a statement this weekend, in front of large crowds, that they are one of the best teams in baseball this year. While the outcome of this game and series is disappointing, manager Torey Lovullo wants his players to not let it distract them from the progress they've made all season.

"I just want to say how proud I am of this team, what we did over these last three days. The Atlanta Braves, we know they've done over the past several years, they're a good baseball team. We fought as hard as we could for those three days, with some unbelievable moments, and we were one pitch away from winning the series."

For the first eight innings, the D-backs had control of the game. Zac Gallen pitched his eighth quality start of the season, holding the Braves to three runs over six innings despite allowing nine hits. With the chance to put the team on his shoulders, Gallen battled for a season-high 110 pitches and put up zeros in his final three frames.

"Zac, pushed him a little bit today. Last outing was at 90 pitches, I was up over 100 with him today, and he responded. He went out and collected that last out, walked off the field with that quality start. He was fighting to make pitches all game long and he made them when he had to."

On offense, the D-backs were able to put some early pressure on Braves starter Michael Soroka. Arizona put on baserunners in each of the first four innings, scoring all five of their runs with two outs. Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte connected for their 10th and ninth home runs of the season. However their offense dried up as soon as the Braves went to their bullpen, as only three batters reached base from the fifth inning on.

They had a great opportunity to tack on a valuable insurance run in the eighth, when Jake McCarthy drew a walk then stole his way to third with one out. The D-backs did not capitalize, as Gabriel Moreno struck out and Pavin Smith grounded out to short.

"I think there were some moments where we could have just locked it down a little bit and scratched across a run here or there, just do things a little bit differently to put ourselves in situations to score runs, we didn't do that in the back half in the game. We were just sitting on that lead after the Marte home run, I think there was a little bit more activity in that inning, and after that we sat on it. We had an opportunity in the eighth and it just didn't happen."

Taking a 5-4 lead in the ninth, Castro walked Michael Harris II to lead off the inning. That set the table for the Braves to make a rally with a runner on base with the lineup turning over.

"You got the nine hitter, and he's a good hitter, I know he's not having a great year but you can't just throw the ball down the middle to him. I thought we were just a bit too careful. We preach to the pitchers about challenging hitters, putting the ball on the plate, and letting them get themselves out."

Ronald Acuña Jr. singled to put the tying run at third, Castro struck out Matt Olson for the first out. After intentionally walking Austin Riley to set a force at any base, Travis d'Arnaud lined out to short for the second out. Rosario, who was 5-for-12 with a triple and two home runs, turned around a middle-middle sinker into the right field bleachers. Arizona was unable to answer in the bottom of the ninth, despite a leadoff walk from Marte.

The D-backs will be off tomorrow, as they travel to the eastern time zone for a six-game road trip against the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers. Left-hander Tommy Henry is scheduled to pitch the first game against Washington, facing off against right-hander Cole Irvin, with first pitch at Nationals Park scheduled for 7:05 PM ET/4:05 PM MST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Diamondbacks and was syndicated with permission.

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