Sometimes you’re the bug, and sometimes you’re the windscreen. After a ten-run victory in the Cactus League finale yesterday, it was not a happy return to Chase Field for the D-backs. They were held to just two hits – both of them off the bat of Pavin Smith – as former Diamondback Slade Cecconi and three Cleveland relievers blanked Arizona. The home team did not have a single at-bat with a runner in scoring position all night, mustering three walks (to Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo and Jordan Lawlar) in addition to Smith’s pair of singles. Cecconi went four scoreless against us, allowing one hit.
Merrill Kelly got hit hard, lasting only two innings and giving up five earned runs. He was charged with four hits, two of which left the park, and two walks, with a single strikeout. Jonathan Loaisiga and Ryan Thompson were also tagged for a run in their inning of work. But there were scoreless frames for Isaiah Campbell, Kevin Ginkel, Paul Sewald, Gerardo Carrillo and Casey Anderson. Though of those five, only Ginkel and Sewald will be part of the Opening Day bullpen. Here’s what Merrill had to say after his outing tonight:
The final warm-up is tomorrow afternoon at Chase Field, again versus these Guardians. Michael Soroka gets the start for Arizona, with a 12:40 pm first pitch. After that, it’ll be off to Los Angeles for the Diamondbacks!
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