ST. LOUIS – “We are struggling offensively,” manager Torey Lovullo said prior to Wednesday night’s matchup at Busch Stadium. “We’re working hard to change that, and we’ve created an awareness as to what our identity is. When we get guys on base and the right people are up, we’re gonna slug and put up some crooked numbers.”
A few hours later, the D-backs found their groove(r).
LuJames Groover blasted his first career home run in the bottom of the fourth inning of Arizona’s 9-4 victory. It was the first of back-to-back homers with Ketel Marte that put the exclamation point on a six-run frame, with all six runs scoring with two outs. Ildemaro Vargas turned on the tap for the Diamondbacks with a two-run double just ahead of Groover’s shot.
Groover was not the only rookie to make an impact in Wednesday’s win. Mitch Bratt, called up to make his Major League debut ahead of the game, tossed a strong three innings while working under the auspices of a limited pitch count. He allowed just one earned run and struck out three while issuing two walks.
Nolan Arenado also doubled and scored for the D-backs, continuing his strong return to St. Louis. He had a hit and an RBI in each of the first two games of the series, and is currently carrying a three-game streak of standing ovations that have required him to acknowledge the home crowd prior to his first plate appearance of the game.