Diamondbacks Lose Fourth Straight Amid Bullpen Collapse Against Pirates, Cardinals

The Arizona Diamondbacks are struggling with late-inning collapses and bullpen issues, which have led to multiple recent losses despite solid performances from their starting pitchers. In a 9-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the bullpen faltered in the eighth inning, allowing seven runs and resulting in a blown save, their 12th of the season. Prior to that, the Diamondbacks were swept in a three-game series by the St. Louis Cardinals, losing all games by one run despite out-hitting their opponents, highlighting their failure to execute in crucial moments both offensively and defensively. Key defensive misplays and the inability to produce timely hits with runners in scoring position have consistently cost the team victories. Manager Torey Lovullo has relied heavily on starters to compensate for the struggling bullpen, but this strategy backfired as starters have been hit hard in later innings, contributing to the team's downward spiral. Overall, the Diamondbacks' bullpen remains a significant liability, ranking near the bottom of the league, and the team's inability to close out games has put their wild card hopes in jeopardy.