Big inning problems continue for Diamondbacks in blowout loss to Braves

Arizona had swept the Detroit Tigers earlier in the week and was looking to carry that momentum into the matchup with Atlanta. Instead, that momentum was erased in one frame.

The Braves were able to square up on right-hander Ryne Nelson’s fastball, and even after he was taken out in the fifth inning, they kept attacking. It wasn’t just the pitching, but also the Diamondbacks’ defensive mishaps that allowed Atlanta to break the game open.

Thursday’s game marked another instance this season in which the D-Backs have struggled to limit damage once an inning begins to unravel.

Throughout the opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, both Nelson and right-hander Zac Gallen cruised against a tough offense until one inning spoiled their effectiveness. Against the Tigers, Arizona’s pitching also allowed big innings in two of the three games.

The club’s pitching staff has shown the ability to navigate tough lineups effectively for stretches, but when control slips, innings extend longer than intended.

The impact goes beyond the box score.

When innings extend, pitches pile up and outs become harder to get. For a roster trying to establish itself near the top of the National League West, those extended innings have proven difficult to avoid. Pitchers are asked to cover more innings early to limit damage, while hitters are forced into aggressive approaches at the plate to make up for large deficits.

Competitiveness hasn’t been the issue — consistency within innings to limit damage as trouble begins has been. If that doesn’t change, single innings will continue to determine outcomes.

The Diamondbacks and Braves play the second game of the series Friday, April 3, at 6:45 p.m.