The Arizona Diamondbacks staged a remarkable rally, dubbed “answerbacks,” on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals. They scored six runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by Eugenio Suarez’s game-tying home run. However, the Cardinals ultimately secured a 9-6 victory, with Paul Goldschmidt delivering the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning, despite a pitch well outside the strike zone.
The Cardinals dominated the rest of the game, with Nolan Arenado and Lars Nootbaar launching impressive home runs off Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt. Although Pfaadt struggled through six innings, allowing six runs, the Diamondbacks’ offensive explosion in the fifth inning provided a glimmer of hope.
Despite the Diamondbacks’ efforts, they couldn’t muster any more hits after Suarez’s homer, and the Cardinals’ bullpen shut them down. Arizona’s relievers surrendered three more runs, adding to their early-season struggles.
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BRAND NEW BALLGAME. 🤙 pic.twitter.com/O7Nb5iopx8
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 13, 2024
Manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the inconsistencies in the pitching staff but expressed belief in their abilities to bounce back. However, Scott McGough continued to struggle, giving up two earned runs in the eighth inning.
Goldschmidt’s clutch hit in the seventh inning proved decisive for the Cardinals, securing the win despite a late scare when Luis Frias loaded the bases in the ninth inning.
Lars Nootbaar hits one far! pic.twitter.com/59nTQriGqS
— MLB (@MLB) April 13, 2024
Pfaadt admitted to some command issues early in the game, leading to walks and costly home runs. Despite his struggles, he managed to pitch through six innings for the first time this season.
The Diamondbacks’ season has been marked by inconsistencies, with victories against certain teams but struggles against others. Their upcoming game against the Cardinals features Ryne Nelson starting for the Diamondbacks and Kyle Gibson for the Cardinals.
