Diamondbacks Beat Giants Again

PHOENIX — It wouldn’t quite be right to say the Diamondbacks are like kryptonite for the Giants, although it might feel that way to some. After all, we’re now at the halfway point of the season, and it’s pretty clear that the Giants are struggling.

In fact, they seem to have no answers for this Arizona team. The Diamondbacks bested Tyler Mahle, starting off their three-game series on a high note, leaving the Giants trailing 5-4.

This marks the seventh time this season the two teams have faced each other with the same outcome. It’s been quite some time since the Giants lost seven straight to a single opponent, last experiencing this with a 0-7 stretch against the Padres back in 2010.

The game started on a relatively positive note for the Giants when Mahle hit a go-ahead homer to Ketel Marte, taking a brief 1-0 lead for Arizona. However, Mahle quickly bounced back with a squeeze bunt that allowed Victor Bericoto to even the score.

There was a glimmer of hope when Jonah Cox managed a double. Yet, things fell apart as Cox couldn’t advance past third base, and Mahle wasn’t able to find his rhythm in the following inning either.

He issued a walk to the leadoff man, followed by a single from the No. 9 hitter, and before he knew it, the bases were loaded. Gerardo Perdomo then came through with a bases-loaded double, letting Bericoto score and swing the momentum back.

To manage the damage, Coach Tony Vitello brought in left-handed pitcher Sam Hentges, hoping to counter Perdomo’s switch-hitting. Unfortunately, despite Perdomo’s poorer right-handed stats this season, it didn’t work out as planned.

A miscommunication occurred before the game, leaving Mahle unaware of his pitch count. He mentioned he’d have approached things differently had he known he was nearing his limit. “I didn’t realize my pitch count was, like, 85 pitches,” Mahle said. “I thought, ‘I’m not going to let him hit anything,’ and then I was out.” It’s just been a tough season for the Giants, now sitting 14 games below .500, with the Diamondbacks contributing significantly to that deficit.

On a brighter note, Nolan Arenado on the Diamondbacks seems to be on quite the roll. His 36th career homer against the Giants further extended Arizona’s lead in the sixth inning, following a walk that sparked a rally in the fifth.

In a last-ditch effort during the ninth, Heriot Ramos, returning from an extended absence, hit a slider over the center field fence, followed by a pinch-hit homer from Drew Cavanaugh that trimmed the deficit to one. However, it wasn’t enough as Drew Gilbert and Matt Chapman stepped in to secure the game.

What It Means

The Giants had a somewhat promising start with a 4-2 homestand and a series win over the top-ranked Braves. But that momentum seemed to evaporate against the formidable Diamondbacks, who improved to .500 with this latest win. This loss means the Diamondbacks have taken the season series for the fifth consecutive year, marking a stark contrast to the Giants’ successful 107-win season two years ago.

If the season had turned around, the Giants would still find themselves on the losing end. Instead of a seven-game gap, they would be in a tie for third in the National League West with Arizona.

Who Is Hot

Marte and Arenado’s two homers marked a notable moment for the Giants, having not allowed multiple homers in a single game since June 13. Marte’s leadoff was particularly significant, as it was the first home run allowed in five games, breaking a long streak since the last home run allowed in an earlier contest.

Interestingly, it seems that the fastball that Marte hit was one of the slowest he faced all game, hitting an average speed of 93.5 mph and a maximum of 95.5 mph.

Who Is Not?

Baserunning errors for the Giants have become a trend, with players losing track of outs. Bericoto, for instance, had a moment where he made an awkward play, caught between bases after not paying attention to the count.

After the game, Eric Haas acknowledged he wasn’t aware of the situation and got stuck on the base paths. Bericoto expressed his frustration, mentioning personal challenges arising from recent events in his home country of Venezuela, but emphasized accountability for his performance.

Despite the setbacks, he did receive encouragement from teammates and redeemed himself in his next at-bat with a double, eventually scoring on Cox’s play. Vitello noted that there had been a lot of talk in the dugout, suggesting that now, it’s time for the team to move forward and improve their game.

Looking Ahead

Manager Landen Loop is hoping to notch a win for the Giants in their next matchup against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. It should be interesting to see how this unfolds, especially with Arizona yet to announce their starting pitcher.