The Dbacks were 8-1 on the season against the Giants coming into the game today. However the offense has not yet arrived in San Francisco as the Dbacks drop the first game of the series 6-1.

Jose Cabrera got off to a rough start giving up a leadoff home run and throwing 30 pitches in the first. However he settled in nicely and was able to pitch into the 5th inning and allowed only 2 runs. Exactly what you are asking for out of the rookie righty. The Giants were really not hitting him much at all as he gave up only 3 hits. The second run only scored due to some shaky defense from the Dbacks. After beaning Koss, the next Giants batter laid down a sacrifice bunt, however no one was covering 3rd base allowing Koss to take the extra base. A rare defensive miscue for a Dbacks defense that has been its calling card. Its worth noting that just before the game, Nolan Arenado was scratched due to thumb discomfort and so it was the rookie Jose Fernandez that wasn’t covering 3rd base.  Koss would then score on a sacrifice fly.

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According to skipper Torey Lovullo in the post game show, Nolan Arenado is day-to-day with the right thumb discomfort.

Even thought the Giants scored 6 runs, it was really a much closer game than the final score showed. The Dbacks offense simply did not show up tonight against weak Giants pitching.  Notably Corbin Carroll went 0-4 and really only Gabi Moreno and Perdomo contributed to the offense tonight with 3 hits and some good at bats incuding a 4th inning HR from Moreno. The Dbacks were then able to load the bases in the 4th inning, however they were unable to score any of the runs with the bases loaded and 1 out. If they were able to get a big hit there with the bases loaded, this game could’ve finished completely differently.

Another youngster will be starting a meaningful baseball game tomorrow night as Kohl Drake will make the start Friday. The offense is going to have to figure it out and quick because to expect Drake not to allow at least a few runs tomorrow is foolish. The Dbacks have got to take advantage of the schedule here against the Giants and prove that they wont play down to their competition with the season on the line. These guys have to step up and look like playoff contenders no matter who they are facing. The Philles and the Padres both had the night off tonight so the Dbacks lose just half a game in the wildcard standings falling to 1.5 games back.