D-Backs’ Offense Hit or Miss…But Usually Miss

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ offense has struggled with consistency. Observe:

D-Backs’ Offensive Performance Over Last 7 Games

Game	Runs	Result
@ BOS, 8/2	7	Win
@ TEX, 8/1	1	Loss
@ TB, 7/31	7	Win
@ TB, 7/30	2	Loss
Vs SD, 7/28	0	Loss
Vs SD, 7/27	3	Loss
Vs SD, 7/26	10	Win

Over their last four losses, the Diamondbacks scored an average of 1.5 runs. In their last three wins, they scored an average of 8 runs. Either their offense breaks out, or it’s stumped. The D-Backs need to find a way to give themselves a chance to win by scoring three or four runs to keep themselves in the game–not a breakout, yet not a complete shutdown. Let’s face it: they can’t break out for 7-10 runs every day. It’s great when they do, but if the D-Backs only win when they do, they’re going to find first place slipping into a galaxy far, far away. Speaking of first place, let’s take a look at the Dodgers’ offensive pattern over their last seven games:

Dodgers’ Offensive Performance Over Last 7 Games

Game	Runs	Result
@ CHC, 8/2	6	Win
@ CHC, 8/1	6	Win
Vs NYY, 7/31	0	Loss
Vs NYY, 7/30	3	Win
Vs CIN, 7/28	1	Win
Vs CIN, 7/27	4	Win
Vs CIN, 7/26	2	Win

Perhaps you noticed: the average number of runs scored during a win over the Dodgers’ last seven games is only 3.67. The D-Backs then have scored more runs in their last three wins than the Dodgers’ have in their last six. It just goes to show: you don’t have to score ten runs to win a ballgame.

Unfortunately, the D-Backs seem to find themselves being shut down more and more. In 14 games since the All-Star break, the Diamondbacks have scored three or fewer runs in 9 of them. And while three runs or fewer doesn’t necessarily add a tally-mark to the loss column, it sure makes it difficult to win. In those 9 games in which they scored three or fewer runs, the Diamondbacks went 2-7. Offensive consistency is difficult. It means pushing across a few runs even when a few hitters aren’t at the top of their game, but it’s absolutely vital to a playoff team.

Image Credit: One is the Loneliest Number