The D-backs suffer a stunning 5-4 walk-off loss to the Blue Jays on June 18 after Shelby Miller gives up ninth-inning homers to Bo Bichette and Addison Barger.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the fourth blown save in 11 chances for Shelby Miller, who saw an eight-game scoreless streak come to a crashing halt.
Shelby Miller has been a bright spot in the bullpen, but Wednesday was a brutal reminder of the volatility of the closer role. Entering the game on an eight-game scoreless streak, Miller looked to secure another D-backs win. Instead, he was tagged for two solo shots, first by Bo Bichette and then by Addison Barger, to end the game. It was a swift and merciless collapse, marking Miller's fourth blown save of the season. Despite the tough outing, his season ERA still sits at a respectable 2.17, but questions will linger about his reliability in high-leverage spots.
The D-backs' offense fought hard to get the lead, with Josh Naylor delivering what should have been the game-winning hit—an RBI double in the fifth inning that put Arizona ahead 3-2. However, the play was bittersweet, as center fielder Myles Straw crashed hard into the wall attempting to make a play and had to exit the game with a sprained right ankle. The team's power also went missing, as they failed to hit a home run for the first time in 11 games, a streak they could have desperately used in the tight contest.
Long before the ninth-inning fireworks, the Blue Jays' own superstar made his presence felt. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was a force all night, collecting three RBIs, highlighted by a monstrous 448-foot home run that kept Toronto in the game. His performance was a constant threat and a preview of the power that would ultimately doom the Diamondbacks.
There's no time to dwell on this crushing loss. The Diamondbacks (now 41-36) have to shake it off and come back ready for the series finale. Lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (2-3, 6.27 ERA) gets the ball, tasked with salvaging a win against Toronto's Eric Lauer (2-1, 2.37 ERA). It's a tough matchup, but a strong start from E-Rod and a quick offensive rebound are exactly what this team needs to wash away the bitter taste of a walk-off defeat.
