Thanks in large part to Ketel Marte’s scorching bat, the Arizona Diamondbacks are flying high heading into a pivotal three-game series against the San Francisco Giants.
Marte has recovered from a season marked by extremes, which included a difficult 22-at-bat hitless slump and a blistering 21-game hitting run.
However, he has come back stronger than before, displaying a performance against the New York Mets that cemented his significance to the Diamondbacks’ postseason aspirations.
It has been a tale of two halves for Marte this season. He demonstrated his offensive prowess early on by going on a 21-game hitting streak that tore through the league.
Then there was a downturn, where he seemed to be unable to purchase a hit for weeks at a time. Marte, though, never gave up.
His perseverance and hard effort paid off handsomely during an exciting 5-4 victory over the Mets.
Marte went 3-for-3 with two home runs, scoring twice and bringing in three runs in that game. His best outing of the season ended when he was hit by a pitch and drew a walk.
It was Marte’s seventh career multi-homer game, proving his strength and reliability when he’s locked in. This wasn’t simply a fortuitous game.
“I never give up, even though it’s a long season,” Marte declared following the match. “No matter what, I put forth a lot of effort at work every day.
I’m only concerned with getting my team to win right now. Every game is something we all want to win, and I know they depend on me.”
Marte’s influence extends much beyond his current winning streak. This season, he has batted thus far.270 in 58 games, tying teammate Christian Walker for the club lead with home runs with 12 home runs and 32 RBIs. His ability and tenacity make him a vital member of the Diamondbacks’ starting order.
“He’s very gifted,” Arizona closer Paul Sewald remarked. “When he’s on fire, there’s nobody better in the league.”
Marte’s capacity to execute under duress was evident throughout the Diamondbacks’ 2017 World Series journey. He struck a searing blow.329 in 17 postseason games, amassing hits in a remarkable 16 straight games.
Even though the Diamondbacks are now five games below.500, they are still hoping to make the playoffs. They ended a five-game losing slide and breathed fresh life into their season by winning two straight games against the Mets, thanks in large part to Marte’s heroics.
For both teams, the next series versus the Giants is crucial. San Francisco is having trouble as well; they have dropped their last four games.
It was especially devastating for the Giants after their most recent loss, a heartbreaking 7-5 to the New York Yankees. Closing out the inning with four runs allowed by Camilo Doval, they blew a lead.
Bob Melvin, the manager of the Giants, stated, “I felt good with Doval on the mound.” “Whenever he pitches, we always have confidence in him.
Although he’s had a few difficult games this year, it’s those save opportunities that help him improve. I’ll pit him against everyone. On Sunday, the Yankees finally got to him.”
There were several positive aspects for the Giants despite the defeat. Casey Schmitt also contributed a home run and two RBIs, and young player Heliot Ramos hit a home run and drove in three runs.
Ryne Nelson, a right-hander, will take the mound for the Diamondbacks on Monday to start the series. This season, Nelson had a 3-4 record and a 6.02 ERA.
In April, he had a strong start against the Giants, pitching two scoreless innings before suffering a line drive injury that kept him out of action.
Although his performance has been inconsistent since his comeback, he has a strong 1-0 record and 3.10 ERA in four career starts against San Francisco.
Conversely, the Giants aren’t revealing anything about their starting pitcher. With right-hander Spencer Howard perhaps getting big innings following his outstanding four-inning shutout relief stint against the Phillies last week, they will likely rely a lot on their bullpen.
The Diamondbacks are greatly boosted by Marte’s comeback going into this pivotal series against the Giants. Each game will have a significant impact on both teams’ chances of making the playoffs, and both are desperate for victories.
*This is an opinion based article by Tushar, @09sports.com
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