Key to the game: avoid having a starting pitcher give up eight earned runs for a third game in a row. As mentioned in the GDT last night, the last – indeed the only – time consecutive 8 ER starts happened for Arizona was back in August 2005. This came during a six-game spell which was the most brutally bad for pitching in franchise history. From August 19-24, the D-backs allowed 68 earned runs over just 52 innings, an 11.77 ERA. That included eighteen home-runs. No other six games outside that have led to more than 58 earned runs. Somehow, the team won one of those: 6-2 in Cincinnati. But the rest? Hoo-boy.

Russ Ortiz was responsible for two of those games. The streak started with a 17-3 loss to the Reds, who enjoyed a six-run third – chasing Ortiz – followed by a ten-run fourth off Brian Bruney and Lance Cormier. After leveling the series, the D-backs dropped the rubber game 13-6, starter Brad Halsey being tagged for seven runs in the fourth inning. The series then moved to New York, beginning with a restrained 4-1 loss to the Mets. But the next night, Claudio Vargas allowed eight earned runs in a 14-1 defeat, though did at least get through five innings. That saved the ‘pen for the 18-4 walloping the next night – Ortiz also gave up eight ER, this time in only four frames.

Naturally, we will be hoping Eduardo Rodrigez breaks the chain which now sees our rotation ERA (4.49) surpass that of the much-maligned bullpen (4.40). By fWAR, the gap is bigger still: Arizona’s starters are ranked 26th, while our relievers are 18th. Right now, Mike Hazen has a rotation problem, it would appear. Kelly in particular is concerning to me. He only came off the injured list eight days ago, but is already just two off the team lead for walks, despite having thrown less than ten innings. Is he still hurt? At 91.8 mph, his fastball velo is only a couple of tenths down on last year. But he’s getting hit hard. At least we won’t have to worry about him pitching in Mexico City.