The Arizona Diamondbacks are under pressure to reverse their current losing trend as they prepare to face the Washington Nationals in the final game of their three-match series. The Nationals have dominated the opening two games with scores of 9-7 and 11-7 and are on the verge of completing a series sweep. Arizona’s difficulties are evident, having lost four games in a row and nine of their last ten, positioning them at a 27-31 record, while the Nationals hold momentum with four consecutive wins and ten victories in their past thirteen games in the National League.
Starting Pitchers Set for Key Matchup: Burnes Against Parker
Arizona will rely heavily on their leading pitcher, Corbin Burnes, to stop the losing streak. Burnes boasts a 3-2 record and a solid 2.72 ERA, showcasing consistency especially in recent weeks, with an impressive 1.64 ERA over 33 innings during the past month. However, his performances against the Nationals have been less dominant, registering a 5.09 ERA across four starts since 2023, including a defeat earlier this season. Opposing Burnes, the Nationals will send left-hander Mitchell Parker to the mound. Parker, holding a 4-4 record and a 4.65 ERA, began the season strongly but has faced challenges more recently. Nevertheless, Parker has effectively pitched against the Diamondbacks, allowing just one run in six innings during their April matchup.
Managing Bullpens Will Be Crucial for Both Teams
Both clubs are expected to carefully navigate their bullpen usage in this critical confrontation. For the Diamondbacks, Justin Martinez is anticipated to pitch despite not appearing since Monday, and Shelby Miller is prepared for consecutive outings after a lighter workload. Meanwhile, the Nationals’ closer, Kyle Finnegan, who has rested after skipping Saturday’s game, looks set to be called on for a save opportunity. In contrast, relievers Jose Ferrer and Cole Henry may not be available due to recent heavy use, increasing reliance on other bullpen arms such as former Diamondback Andrew Chafin to bridge the innings before Finnegan’s appearance.
Arizona Struggles in Defense and Pitching Amplify Challenges
The Diamondbacks’ ongoing slump has been compounded by defensive errors and inconsistent pitching performances. These issues have been significant factors in their recent losses and need urgent correction if the team wants to avoid being swept and hopes to gain ground in the National League standings.
Potential Turning Point Hinges on Burnes and Team Resilience
As Arizona prepares for this pivotal game, they must draw on the skill of Corbin Burnes and the collective determination of the team to try to reverse their fortunes. A win could ignite a resurgence and restore confidence, whereas another loss would deepen their struggles. This game’s outcome carries weight beyond the immediate standings, potentially influencing the Diamondbacks’ momentum for the remainder of the season.
This series underscores baseball’s unpredictability, where shifts in momentum and changes in team fortunes can occur swiftly. For the Diamondbacks, the opportunity to transform their current narrative depends on refocusing on fundamental execution and leveraging their strengths amid adversity.