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
Just when victory seemed within reach, it was snatched away in the most dramatic fashion. The Arizona Diamondbacks were poised to lock down a win against the Blue Jays, carrying a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth. But in a stunning turn of events, back-to-back home runs by Bo Bichette and Addison Barger off closer Shelby Miller handed Toronto a 5-4 walk-off victory, leaving the D-backs and their fans in disbelief.
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.
