We can't say for sure, but we're guessing you're sick of the Arizona Diamondbacks' bullpen going all Gregg Olson nearly every game.
The latest debacle occurred last night during game one of the D-Backs' four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Behind a boisterous Miller Park contingent, the Brew Crew rallied for four tallies off of four Arizona relievers to score a 4-1 home victory (and the team's eighth win in its last nine).
Once again, D-Backs' flame-throwing starter Max Scherzer was brilliant, staking his team to a 1-0 lead after six behind seven Ks, one walk, and only five hits allowed. But once again, he failed to record his first victory as a big leaguer.
The first gas can doing his best Olson impression -- Olson's the much-maligned ex-D-Backs' closer known for his propensity for blown saves -- was Tom Gordon (0-1). First, he gave Bill Hall a free pass, then allowed Jason Kendall to reach on a weak-sauced single. After an infielder's choice, Gordon went wild thing, unleashing an erratic offering that skipped past catcher Chris Snyder. Rickie Weeks then tied the game at one all with an RBI single.
But the fire was just starting to burn. Gordon walked Corey Hart to pack the sacks, then gave way to three more relievers. Only Juan Gutierrez was effective, fanning Ryan Braun following Gordon's departure. Bob Melvin lifted Gutierrez in favor of Scott Schoeneweis, who walked Prince Fielder to force in the go-ahead run. Mike Cameron put the game out of reach with a ground-rule double that plated two more Brewers.
You're fired, D-Backs' pen.
The Arizona offense played grab-ass most of the game as well. Aside from Felipe Lopez's lead-off home run, they couldn't do diddly-squat against starter Jeff Suppan, Mark DiFelice, Todd Coffey, and Trevor Hoffman, who pitched the ninth for his second save of the season.
The series continues tonight in Milwaukee with a 5:05 p.m. first-pitch start. Scheduled starters are Arizona's Jon Garland (2-1, 5.47) and Milwaukee's Manny Parra (0-4, 6.52).
Game three takes place at 4:05 p.m. Saturday and will feature Arizona's Dan Haren (2-3, 1.54) squaring off against Milwaukee's Braden Looper (2-0, 2.45).
The series concludes on Sunday with an 11:05 a.m. match-up between Arizona's Yusmeiro Petit (0-2, 8.62) and Milwaukee's Dave Bush (1-0, 4.50 ERA).
Each game can be seen on FSN-AZ, or dial it on your radio at KTAR-AM 620.
Check out www.phoenixnewtimes.com on Monday for all of 411.
