the Diamondbacks were swept by the Florida Marlins by progressively worse scores: 3-2, 3-1, and 4-0.  The first loss ended Brandon Webb’s winning streak; the second and third put L’s on Micah Owings and Dan Haren’s records respectively. All three pitching outings were pretty good. But the offense was poor. The whole team, with or without Eric Byrnes, who did not play Thursday, has forgotten how to hit.

This series was a good test; the Marlins lead the NL East. The D’Backs came up woefully short. Next up: The Atlanta Braves who are just 1.5 behind the Marlins.  Speaking of just behind: Satchel Paige said, “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” The D’Backs might want to take Satch’s advice. The Dodgers have crept to within 2.5. They were busy beating Cincinnati while Arizona was losing to Florida. Is this the theme of the season? The Snakes had better start putting the bite on teams outside the division or there will be too much ground to make up in September when they end the season against the West.

Tonight we welcome Doug Davis back from cancer surgery. After that ordeal, he deserves some slack in the form of big-time run support. Don’t make him have to throw a shutout (though it would be a great story if he did) to get a W. 

ByrnesBlogger1 

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