Comeback efforts fall short for D-Backs after uncharacteristic start

In what was one of the most bizarre and unusual outings for any D-Backs pitcher, Brandon Pfaadt gave up eight earned runs on six hits without even getting an out in the first inning before being pulled. Pfaadt has had a more than decent start to the season, so to see him mightily struggle on Saturday night was something out of a Twilight Zone episode.

Pfaadt spoke on Saturday night:

The Nationals put up 10 runs in the first inning, Scott McGough entered for Pfaadt and gave up three earned runs on three hits, which put the Snakes behind the eight ball early as it was an 11-0 lead in the second inning.

Snakes try to come alive:

Things got interesting as the rest of the way went. Arizona could have rolled over, though they scratched and clawed their way back although their efforts weren’t ultimately enough.

It started with a Josh Naylor two-run home run in the fourth inning that got Arizona on the board, then the sixth inning the D-Backs came alive as they put up five runs highlighted by a Randal Grichuk two-run home run to make it an 11-7 ball game. D-Backs had some more opportunities including in the bottom of the eighth but their run was stymied by decisions like sending Pavin Smith home, ultimately with him getting thrown out, as the chances passed the snakes by.

Washington is trending up while Arizona is heading south, and now the Snakes will have to try and avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon at Chase Field.