Diamondbacks News
Washington Post, MacKenzie Gore and Nationals Struggle to Finish the Job*
The Nationals faced just 87 pitches in a nine-inning game, the lowest since the Cubs’ match against the Phillies on Sept. 27, 2022, according to TruMedia. This was also the fewest pitches the Nationals had seen since July 27, 2013, against the Mets. In their three-game series, they scored only five runs total, marking the sixth time this season they averaged fewer than three runs per game in a series.
Arizona Sports, Ryne Nelson Shines as Diamondbacks Secure Third Consecutive Series Win
Nelson’s performance differed from his impressive start against the White Sox last week, where he struck out a career-high eight batters in six innings, allowing just one earned run. This time, he struck out only two hitters and induced nine ground ball outs. His ground ball rate has increased to 43% this season, up from 37.5% last year.
SI.com, Diamondbacks Clinch Important 5-2 Victory Over Nationals
McCarthy started the fourth inning with a base hit and later scored on Barnhart’s clutch hit. Gruchuk added a two-run double in the same inning. McCarthy, who had three hits against left-hander MacKenzie Gore, is batting .298 with an .800 OPS this season and has been especially effective against left-handers, hitting .429.
Arizona Sports, Diamondbacks Proceed Cautiously with Alek Thomas’ Rehab
“We’re taking it slow with Alek to avoid a longer-term issue,” the team stated. Merrill Kelly is expected back post-All-Star break, while Eduardo Rodriguez’s timetable is still uncertain. The focus is on ensuring players are fully ready to return and stay healthy.
MLB News
Yahoo! Sports, Flemming Reflects on Announcing Willie Mays’ Death
Flemming expressed deep emotion while announcing Mays’ passing at 93. Before a Giants’ game at Rickwood Field, near Mays’ hometown, Flemming shared his feelings about that moment during an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Athletic, Five Years After Tyler Skaggs’ Death, Family’s Grief Persists
Debbie, Tyler Skaggs’ mother, continues to grapple with his death from a fentanyl overdose five years ago. The family faces ongoing legal battles and the constant reminder of his absence, speaking about him in the past tense.
Sporting News, Reggie Jackson Recalls Racism at Rickwood Field
Jackson discussed the racism he faced while playing in Birmingham, including being unwelcome at certain hotels and restaurants, and threats made against his teammate’s apartment complex. “Coming back here is not easy,” he said.
