Walker dominates the Dodgers again and leads the Diamondbacks to series victory
Christian Walker talks about the success after the DBacks’ 12-4 win over the Dodgers
First baseman Christian Walker talks about his success after the Arizona Diamondbacks came back from a multiple run deficit to win at Dodger Stadium on July 3, 2024.
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers finally figured out how to stop Christian Walker. The plan was mostly to not let him swing. Once they let him walk on purpose. Another time they gave him nothing to hit, preferring to load the bases with a four-pitch free pass. The only problem for the Dodgers was that they found their solution far too late.
In three games at Dodger Stadium this week, Walker hit five home runs, giving him 19 home runs since 2018 – eight more than any other guest during that span. On Thursday, he punctuated the show with long balls in each of his first two at-bats, paving the way for a 9-3 Diamondbacks victory.
By winning this series, the Diamondbacks are now 4-2 at Dodger Stadium this year and 6-2 since the start of last year’s National League Division Series. Before that, Chavez Ravine had been a nightmare for Arizona, going 8-30 here from 2019 through the 2023 regular season.
On Thursday, Walker was the only player. After Joc Pederson hit a home run in the first inning, Walker hit two consecutive pitches. In the third inning, he drove Pederson into the left bullpen with a line drive. Torey Lovullo stood on the top step of the Diamondbacks dugout and could only shake his head and laugh.
The Dodgers made things uncomfortable in the fourth inning when they forced three runs out of Zac Gallen. Gallen showed electrifying skills, throwing the seven fastest pitches of his career, but struggled with control. He managed just four innings and threw 85 pitches.
Justin Martinez picked up the slack, pitching three scoreless innings and ending his day by striking out Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernandez and Freddie Freeman in succession in the seventh inning.
And in the ninth inning, the Diamondbacks extended their lead. The Dodgers’ decision to pitch around Walker with two outs backfired. The next two batters – Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno – got hits and scored four more runs.
Arizona sends Cristian Mena back to the minor leagues after a bumpy debut
LOS ANGELES — A day after Cristian Mena’s turbulent major league debut, the Arizona Diamondbacks sent the right-hander down to Triple-A, bringing back left-handed reliever Joe Jacques to fill his spot on the roster.
Mena, 21, allowed four runs to the first four batters he faced on Wednesday night, but eventually found his composure and got through three innings without further damage – an experience the Diamondbacks hope will prove invaluable when he returns to the major leagues.
The decision to sign Mena once again creates a hole in Arizona’s rotation. The Diamondbacks don’t have an off day before the All-Star break, meaning Mena’s absentee spot will pop up twice between now and then.
Manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday that the Diamondbacks could opt for a bullpen game in the second of those openers, which will take place two days before the All-Star break. But on Monday against the Braves, the Diamondbacks will have to field a starter from their minor leagues.
Their options seem limited. Tommy Henry is the most experienced candidate, but he has a 7.04 ERA in nine major league appearances this year. Logan Allen and Humberto Castellanos are the next two most experienced options in Triple-A, but both were relievers when they were called up to the Diamondbacks this season.
The Diamondbacks expect Jordan Montgomery to return from knee inflammation shortly, eliminating the long-term need for a solution to fill the rotation vacancy. His injury was the reason the club promoted Mena, who is considered one of the organization’s most promising pitchers.
Pitching duel between the Diamondbacks and the Dodgers on Thursday
Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 6:10 p.m., Cox, Chapter 34
Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (6-4, 2.83) vs. Dodgers RHP Landon Knack (1-1, 2.08).
Gallen returned last week after a month on the injured list, dominating the A’s in six scoreless innings with one hit. … Although he had a 3.12 ERA before his injury, Gallen said he didn’t feel at his best mechanically. In his return Saturday, Gallen felt closer to that point. In that game, he threw the two fastest pitches of his career, reaching 97 mph with his fastball. … The Diamondbacks dropped Slade Cecconi’s rotation to give Gallen a regular rest schedule and give him an extra start before the All-Star break. … Knack was drafted in the second round by the Dodgers in 2020 and had his breakout season in the minor leagues. He made his debut in April and has since shuttled between MLB and Triple-A. … In his last start, Knack struck out seven hitters and allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings against the Giants. … He faced the Diamondbacks in April and allowed one run in five innings. He averages just over five innings per start in the major leagues.
Pitching duel between the Diamondbacks and the Padres on Friday
Diamondbacks at Padres, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Chapter 34
Diamondbacks RHP Slade Cecconi (2-6, 5.81) vs. Padres RHP Randy Vasquez (2-4, 4.88).
Due to numerous pitcher injuries with the Diamondbacks, Cecconi has made 12 major league appearances (11 starts) this season. … He continues to pitch well to start games but has struggled in the middle innings. His ERA in 1st-3rd innings is 3.09. In 4th-6th innings, he is 10.07. … Last time out, Cecconi allowed three runs in four innings against Oakland. … Vasquez was traded from the Yankees to the Padres this offseason as part of the Juan Soto trade. … In his only previous appearance against the Diamondbacks last month, he allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings. … Vasquez’s last two starts have been strong, allowing just one run in nine total innings. … Vasquez uses a mix of six pitches, including a curveball that is considered his best throw. However, he doesn’t often manage to swing and miss, and he ranks in the bottom 10% of pitchers in this regard.
Soon
Saturday: In San Diego, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (3-6, 4.28) against Padres RHP Matt Waldron (5-7, 3.56).
Sunday: In San Diego, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (5-6, 5.42) vs. Padres RHP Dylan Cease (7-7, 4.24).
Monday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks TBA vs. Braves LHP Chris Sale (11-3, 2.71).
About the Padres
The Padres struggled with financial issues during the offseason, necessitating the Soto trade. After a disappointing 2023, it seemed like they would be watching from the outside amid a crowded National League wild-card picture. But after a mediocre start to the season, they’ve played excellently in recent weeks. Starting with a win on July 19, they’re 11-3 and have built a three-game lead in the wild-card race. Aside from injured players, every regular starter for the Padres has played above league average this year. OF Jurickson Profar leads the pack with a career year. He has an OPS of .879. Pitching hasn’t been as effective, but RHP Michael King, RHP Matt Waldron and injured RHP Yu Darvish all have an ERA under 4.00. RHP Robert Suarez has been one of the best closers in baseball, converting 22 of 23 save opportunities to help him post a 1.02 ERA. Overall, the Padres rank sixth in runs scored, 19th in rotation ERA and 16th in bullpen ERA through Thursday.
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