D-backs’ Torey Lovullo Discusses Controversial Ninth-Inning Decision
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ manager addressed a questionable decision in a critical moment on Tuesday night.
With the D-backs trailing the Houston Astros 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth and the bases loaded with no outs, the situation seemed ripe for a comeback. But the Diamondbacks couldn’t capitalize, and they ultimately lost the game.
While multiple factors contributed to the defeat—such as a rough outing from the bullpen, missed offensive opportunities, and a potentially questionable umpire’s call—one key moment stood out in manager Torey Lovullo’s postgame comments: third base coach Shaun Larkin’s decision to hold Josh Naylor at third base.
After back-to-back singles to open the inning, Naylor advanced to second, with the speedy Jake McCarthy on first. Geraldo Perdomo then hit a third single, but instead of sending Naylor home, Larkin hesitated and gave him the stop sign. Naylor scrambled back to third, and McCarthy’s speed was the only reason he made it safely back to second.
Some might argue that Larkin should have waved Naylor home, allowing McCarthy to reach third and possibly changing the dynamics of the inning. Lovullo shared his thoughts on the decision postgame.
“I can’t fully evaluate what the play looks like in that moment—I’m seeing it unfold in real time. We were focused on going station-to-station there,” Lovullo explained. “The key thing is you can’t afford to make an out on the bases in that situation.”
He added, “I didn’t feel it was the right time to take a risk, but I’ll revisit it. Maybe if you ask me tomorrow, I’ll feel differently.”
Lovullo also noted that, even with a one-run deficit, the outcome might have been the same.
“Coaching third base is tough. The ball moves quickly, and Shaun’s doing everything he can,” Lovullo said.
While moments like these can be frustrating, the game continued, and Blaze Alexander struck out, followed by Jose Herrera grounding into a game-ending double play.
Had Larkin made a different call in that moment, things might have turned out differently. However, the bottom line was that the D-backs failed to execute with no outs and the bases loaded.
“We’re fighting for our lives out there,” Lovullo said. “[The Astros] turned an excellent double play. They’re a team that relies on pitching and defense, especially now with some of their key players sidelined.”
With this loss, the Diamondbacks have now dropped back-to-back games after a strong start following the All-Star break, having swept the Cardinals.
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