In a stunning turn of events, the Arizona Diamondbacks wasted no time in making their presence felt against Pittsburgh Pirates’ starter Luis L. Ortiz. The first inning of the game proved to be disastrous for Ortiz, as he found himself at the receiving end of a barrage of home runs.
It all started with Diamondbacks’ leadoff hitter, Corbin Carroll, who hit a triple into the right-field corner. Shortstop Oneil Cruz, who had been struggling with errors in the previous series, attempted to throw Carroll out at third base but made an errant throw. Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes was caught off guard by Carroll’s decision to keep running and was slow to field the ball, resulting in a late throw to home.
The chaos continued as Ketel Marte stepped up to the plate and smashed a fastball from Ortiz into the top row of the right-field seats. Not to be outdone, Joc Pederson followed suit and belted a slider over those seats and onto the concourse. The consecutive home runs left the PNC Park crowd in disbelief.
After a mound visit, Josh Bell, the former Pirates first baseman making his Diamondbacks debut, added insult to injury by launching a first-pitch heater beyond the center-field wall. The crowd made it clear that things were not going well for Ortiz and the Pirates.
But the trouble didn’t end there. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a grounder past Ortiz, which was fielded by first baseman Rowdy Tellez. However, Ortiz neglected to cover first base, allowing Gurriel Jr. to reach safely. A wild pitch and a walk further compounded Ortiz’s struggles.
Despite the onslaught, Ortiz managed to get his first out on a fly ball hit by Eugenio Suárez. The ball, hit to the deepest part of the ballpark, would have been a three-run homer if not for Bryan Reynolds’ impressive catch just in front of the 410-foot sign in left-center field.
The inning finally came to an end with an Alek Thomas grounder that scored the Diamondbacks’ fifth run of the game and a Geraldo Perdomo at-bat. Ortiz walked off the field to a mix of Bronx cheers and boos, having survived the inning but with his confidence undoubtedly shaken.
This disastrous start highlights the importance of solid defense and effective pitching. One small mistake, such as an errant throw or a failure to cover a base, can quickly snowball into a string of runs for the opposition. It also serves as a reminder of the mental fortitude required to bounce back from a rough inning and continue to compete.
For the Diamondbacks, this explosive first inning was a testament to their offensive firepower. With a lineup capable of hitting back-to-back-to-back home runs, they have the potential to put up runs in a hurry. This kind of offensive prowess can be a game-changer and a momentum-shifter.
As for Ortiz, this outing serves as a learning experience. It is crucial for pitchers to maintain their composure and make adjustments on the fly. One bad inning does not define a pitcher’s career, and it will be interesting to see how Ortiz responds in his next start.
In the world of baseball, anything can happen. One inning can turn a game on its head, leaving fans and players alike in awe. It is moments like these that remind us why we love this game and why we continue to be captivated by its unpredictability.