In a their first series after the All-Star break, the D-Backs were trounced and swept by the San Diego Padres while getting outscored 26-10.
The most electrifying moment of the weekend came yesterday when Snakes' third baseman Mark Reynolds got tangled up with San Diego's Evereth Cabrera after a play
at first base.
Cabrera, unhappy about being aggressively tagged out, decided to take a swipe at Reynolds' chest with his cleats. Reynolds retaliated and shoved Cabrera, who was ejected.
That was the most fire the Snakes showed all weekend.
In Friday's contest, the D-Backs looked like they were still on a mini-vacation as they were dismantled 12-1.
After grabbing an early lead on an RBI double by Justin Upton in the first, everything else went downhill.
Snakes starter Dan Haren was ineffective through five innings, giving up six runs. Although he did strike out eight, he also gave up two long balls.
The much maligned D-Backs bullpen, hoping for a turn around after a disastrous first half of the season, looked like a replica of themselves.
In four innings of work, the relievers gave up six runs and walked eight batters. Most time the Padres didn't even bother swinging as the pitchers were all over the zone.
Although Saturday's game was closer (it's tough to lose by 11 in consecutive days) the D-Backs still couldn't out together a complete game and get a win.
Quite simply, Snakes starter Rodrigo Lopez just wasn't good enough. In fact, he wasn't much good at all in the 8-5 loss.
Lopez allowed six runs over six innings while giving up four home runs. To nobody's surprise, Lopez has given up a league-leading 22 long balls on the season.
The D-Backs' offense went up 3-1 with some clutch hitting (something this team has been missing) as they scored three runs - all with two outs in the third.
But Lopez gave up a three-spot of his own and the lead quickly vanished. The D-Backs tied the game in the fourth inning on Chris Young's solo homer but could only muster one more the rest of the game as San Diego prevailed.
The final game of the weekend series was closer than the previous two and while the effort (and fight from Reynolds) was there, the D-Backs lost again to fall to 3-10 since Kirk Gibson was named interim manager.
Even with an early two run lead, Edwin Jackson couldn't hold down the fort and get the much-needed win as the D-Backs lost 6-4. In all, Jackson pitched 6.1 innings while giving up four runs. He was able to strike out nine Padres but was tagged for two home runs, both by Chris Denorfia.
The Snakes tried for a big rally in the ninth, scoring once off San Diego closer Heath Bell, was Miguel Montero grounded out to end the game with runners on second and third.
In short, the weekend pretty much sums up the D-Backs season. The effort is there but with no results.
The team opens up a seven-game home stand tonight at Chase Field, starting with a three-game tilt with the New York Mets. Ian Kennedy (4-7, 4.12 ERA) gets the nod against Mile Pelfrey (10-4, 3.58 ERA) of the Mets.
First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. TV: Fox Sports Arizona. Radio: KTAR 620-AM. More info: dbacks.com.
