So many missed opportunities in loss to Reds

Gotta feel for Jon Rauch. I understand the bullpen was heavily worked over the last few days, but Rauch simply cannot be put into critical situations - he is not getting the job done and I still don't understand the rationale of Bob Melvin.

So, for the second straight day the D-backs lose in extra innings, this time 2-1 on a Corey Patterson homer off of Rauch in the tenth. It just does not seem like it's meant to be now for the D-backs. The last at-bat in the bottom half of the tenth by Chris Young was a microcosm of how the D-backs offense has been performing. First pitch he hacks at that was high and out of the zone. Second pitch was right down the middle and he looked at it. The third pitch was also right down the middle and he swung feebly at it. Young has one of the worst eyes at the plate of anyone I have ever seen.

The Dodgers lost earlier today, and to gain back a game today would have been huge - both from a standings and psychological point of view.

Arizona otherwise got outstanding pitching from their starter Max Scherzer along with Lyon, Cruz, and Qualls. I was certainly glad that Melvin decided to flip flop Lyon and Qualls in the bullpen as it definitely makes sense, and probably should have been done about two weeks ago. Scherzer was fantastic as he went six and only gave up a run on two hits. He also had nine punchouts...that is one huge bonus going into next season - Scherzer is going to be an amazing third guy in the rotation.

The biggest issue by far today once again was the inability to knock guys in that were in scoring position. 17 guys left on base....unbelievable. Justin Upton was the only guy up there that looked like he was on a mission. He ended up 4-for-5, including an absolute blast to the concourse in center field.

Starting a four gamer with the Giants tomorrow and I'm just not sure there's anything left in the tank for Arizona. Come on guys....pull it out and play with some with fire!