Missed opportunities and errors sink D-backs in finale

Boy, I had really thought getting swept by the Dodgers this weekend was a near impossibility. I thought the guys would circle the wagons and come out with guns firing. Well, that wasn't exactly the case, as they went down 5-3 today to now trail by 1 1/2 games in the NL West. Boy what a difference three days can make - going from 1 1/2 games up to 1 1/2 down....

As for the performance today....well...what says it all is the 10 hits and 21 left on base. They just could not capitalize on any opportunities out there. Another rough game for Justin Upton, as he wore the collar with three punchouts and four LOB. He also had an error in the seventh when transferring the ball from his glove to his throwing hand on a sac fly. I honestly don't think Upton is capable of playing even respectable ball out there in the outfield. Sure he has show to have a tremendous arm in right, but his mental miscues are atrocious, and do not seem to be dwindling with more experience out there. I still believe he should be moved to the infield (second or third), where he can play more on instinct.

However, many props go to Max Scherzer for his performance today. He will definitely be in this rotation come next spring. He shows a fire and determination that I wish could be seen on some of his teammates. Fanning 11 out there in only five innings was astounding. He did give up a couple of runs in the first, then settled down and was just mowing guys down. He looked to tire in the sixth, as his pitch count was getting elevated.

Chris Snyder had a very nice game offensively for Arizona, going 2-for-3 with a double and a homer.

As for the Dodgers, Man Ram and Andre Ethier of course did their usual damage against the D-backs, going a combined 4-for-6 with three runs scored. Sure wish they could figure these guys out already.

As I noted before, this is gut check time for the D-backs, and they thus far have not answered the bell. It's honestly very disappointing. Apparently Bob Melvin's pre-game pep talk did light up some of the bats, but the overall play was not what it should have been. There just seems to be something missing out there that I can't place my finger on.

It's up to the Bay area tomorrow night to begin a three game set with the Giants. If the D-backs don't take at least two of three, I think they are done.