Dbacks Notes and News

Vargas went 1-for-5 with two RBI in Wednesday’s 6-5 loss to Texas.

Vargas’ two-run single in the ninth inning gave the Diamondbacks a 5-3 lead, but closer Paul Sewald couldn’t convert the save. It was the second consecutive two-RBI game for Vargas, who has knocked in seven runs over the last nine games despite batting just .189 (7-for-37) during that stretch. When given RISP opportunities, Vargas has delivered a .343 average and .743 slugging percentage. He leads Arizona with 28 RBI.

Arenado went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday’s 6-5 loss to the Rangers.

It was a frustrating night for the Diamondbacks, who were 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position when Arenado came to the plate in the ninth inning with runners at the corners. His RBI double tied the game. A two-run single by Ildemaro Vargas followed, and Arizona was in position to overcome the RISP futility but closer Paul Sewald blew the save. Arenado has been good with runners in scoring position and is slugging .710 in those situations. His 20 RBI are tied for second on the team.

Sewald (0-4) was charged with the loss and a blown save Wednesday against the Rangers, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk in one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

The Diamondbacks rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth frame to create a save opportunity for Sewald, but the hurler couldn’t get the job done Wednesday. The 35-year-old right-hander has been prone to the occasional meltdown as Arizona’s closer, giving up multiple runs in three of his 18 outings this year. Overall, Sewald has a 4.70 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB over 15.1 innings while converting nine of his 10 save chances.

Nelson took a no-decision Wednesday against the Rangers, allowing three runs on four hits and no walks in seven innings. He struck out eight.

The 28-year-old right-hander submitted one of his finer starts of the campaign Wednesday, flooding the zone for 64 strikes on 88 pitches and producing 18 whiffs. Nelson also fanned a season-high eight, pitched a season-most seven innings and logged his second consecutive quality start after failing to attain this feat in his prior seven outings. Nelson still has a shaky 5.40 ERA over 45 frames, but he’s also set to take a more encouraging 1.16 WHIP and 43:14 K:BB into a soft matchup versus the division-rival Giants his next time out.