Walk-Off Woes: Grichuk's Power Surge Not Enough as D-backs Drop Heartbreaker to Angels

• Randal Grichuk hit two solo home runs, accounting for three of the Diamondbacks' five runs.
• The Diamondbacks lost 6-5 to the Angels on a walk-off, pinch-hit single by Travis d'Arnaud in the ninth inning.
• Starter Ryne Nelson struggled, lasting only four innings while allowing four runs and four walks.
• The team activated reliever Kendall Graveman from the 15-day injured list before the game.
• Alek Thomas contributed a two-run double in a four-run second inning for Arizona.

It was a night of highs and lows that ended in the most painful way possible. Despite a two-homer performance from Randal Grichuk, the Arizona Diamondbacks fell to the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 on Friday night, succumbing to a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth. The loss marks another frustrating chapter in a difficult July stretch for the Snakes.

The Diamondbacks' record fell to 46-49, and they are now 3-7 since July 2.

So Close, Yet So Far

The game felt winnable for long stretches, especially after a four-run second inning sparked by an Alek Thomas two-run double. Randal Grichuk did everything he could to power the offense, launching two solo home runs and accounting for three of the team's five runs. However, the Angels kept chipping away. Starter Ryne Nelson struggled with command, allowing four runs and walking four over just four innings, putting pressure on the bullpen early. In the end, it was Kyle Backhus who took the loss after Travis d'Arnaud played hero for the Angels, delivering the game-winning hit in the final frame.

Bullpen Reinforcements Arrive

Just as the bullpen faltered, help officially arrived. The team activated veteran right-hander Kendall Graveman from the 15-day injured list prior to the game, a welcome sight for a relief corps in need of stability. Graveman's return from a right hip impingement is a significant boost. However, the news was offset by the loss of lefty Jalen Beeks, who was placed on the IL with lower back inflammation. It's a classic case of one step forward, one step back for a pitching staff searching for consistency.

A Slide in the Standings

The loss had immediate repercussions in the standings. Combined with results around the league, the D-backs have now slipped to fourth place in the NL West, sitting at 46-49. The gap between them and the division-leading Dodgers has widened to a daunting 10 games. This recent 3-7 slide is concerning, turning a promising season into an uphill battle as the All-Star break approaches. The team needs to reverse this trend quickly to stay in the postseason hunt.

The loss stings, but the season is far from over. With Graveman back to hopefully stabilize the late innings, the Diamondbacks have a chance to right the ship this weekend in Anaheim. A win tonight is crucial to stop the bleeding and avoid falling further behind in the competitive NL West. It's time to see the fight this team is known for.