Randal Grichuk's two homers weren't enough as the Diamondbacks lost 6-5 to the Angels on a walk-off single on July 12. Read how the D-backs' skid continues.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that had all the makings of a gritty, comeback victory, only to end in the most gut-wrenching way possible. Despite a two-homer performance from Randal Grichuk, including a game-tying blast in the eighth, the Arizona Diamondbacks fell 6-5 to the Los Angeles Angels on a walk-off single, extending a frustrating July skid.
Randal Grichuk provided nearly all the offense, hitting two home runs and driving in three, but it wasn't enough to overcome the team's pitching struggles.
The D-backs' offense showed signs of life, but it was a one-man show for much of the night. After falling into an early hole, the bats roared to life in the second inning. Alek Thomas delivered a crucial two-run double, and Randal Grichuk followed with his first home run of the night, capping a four-run frame that erased the deficit in a flash. Grichuk wasn't done, either. With the team trailing again late, he stepped up in the eighth and launched a solo shot to tie the game at 5-5. It was a heroic effort from the designated hitter, who now has 7 homers on the season, but unfortunately, it was all for naught.
The story of this recent 3-7 slump has been inconsistent pitching, and Friday night was no exception. Starter Ryne Nelson battled through four tough innings, surrendering four runs on seven hits and four walks. The bullpen managed to keep things close, but couldn't seal the deal. Kyle Backhus was tagged with the loss after Travis d'Arnaud delivered the game-winning pinch-hit single in the bottom of the ninth. In total, the staff allowed 12 hits, a number that's simply too high to consistently win games.
Ahead of the series, the team made a key bullpen move, reinstating veteran righty Kendall Graveman from the injured list after a bout with a right hip impingement. His presence will be welcome, especially with lefty Jalen Beeks heading to the IL with lower back inflammation. The focus now shifts to Saturday, where the D-backs desperately need a strong outing from their ace. Zac Gallen (7-9, 5.15 ERA) will take the mound against Angels' All-Star lefty Yusei Kikuchi (3-6, 3.02 ERA). Gallen has shown signs of returning to form in his last two starts, and the team needs him to play the role of stopper now more than ever.
This loss stings, there's no way around it. Wasting a massive offensive performance from Grichuk is a tough pill to swallow. With the team now 46-49 and sliding in the wrong direction, all eyes turn to Zac Gallen. A vintage Gallen performance on Saturday isn't just hoped for; it's desperately needed to stop the bleeding and turn the tide in this crucial road series.
