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The Arizona Diamondbacks suffered a tough loss to the Oakland Athletics, blowing a 4-3 lead in the final two innings to ultimately fall 9-4. Manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged that starting pitching needs to improve as the team is currently on a three-game losing streak, with a combined score of 30-13. The D-backs have not had a starting pitcher go beyond five innings in their last three games.
Despite fighting back to tie the game, the D-backs bullpen struggled, particularly Ryan Thompson, who had an off night and gave up three runs in the eighth inning. Thompson acknowledged mechanical issues that affected his pitching and said he is working to fix them.
The D-backs had an opportunity to come back in the game with star pitcher Zac Gallen set to return from the injured list on Saturday. Gallen’s return is expected to provide a boost for the team as they look to recover from their losing streak.
Slade Cecconi, who started the game for the D-backs, had an encouraging performance with 19 whiffs and 7 strikeouts but struggled to pitch deep into the game due to inefficiently finishing off hitters. Cecconi acknowledged his frustration with not being able to go deeper into games.
With Gallen returning and Brandon Pfaadt set to start in the next game, Lovullo hopes the D-backs can recover the series against the Athletics before a tough road trip against the Dodgers and Padres. The next game is set for 1:10 p.m. and will be broadcast on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app.
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Photo credit arizonasports.com
