Rauch and D-backs go up in flames in Bay

Why Bob Melvin continues to show faith in Jon Rauch in critical situations amazes me...and more than that...appalls me. Except for a couple of innings of good work last week, Rauch has continued to demonstrate his ineptitude on the mound. Why do the rosters expand to 40 on Sept. 1 if you're not going to take advantage of some fresh arms out there instead of continually calling on a guy that is absolutely driving this team down??

Look, I'm not a Bo Mel basher and won't go create firebobmelvin.com, but..... there are times when I just don't understand why the right match ups aren't being called upon in game situations, both on the offensive and pitching sides.

After Tony Pena gave up a couple of runs (the first runs he's given up in his last 12 games) in the bottom of the eighth to enable the Giants to break up the tie and go up 4-2, it seemed like the D-backs were done. But Chris Snyder came up absolutely huge in the top of the ninth in hitting that two run missile to left to tie it up.

And all the momentum came to a halt in the bottom of the ninth after Rauch came in and quickly gave up a single and a walk. Juan Cruz was summoned to try to put some water on the fire, but to no avail as he gave up the game winner.

Oh, and to add insult the Dodgers won.....so now the D-backs go down 2 1/2 in the West. I really hate to say this, but.....it really doesn't look good with 18 games to go. I just don't see this team turning it around.