Sports
Smith Shines Despite Diamondbacks’ Loss to Mets
In an 8-3 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday, Arizona Diamondbacks player Pavin Smith had a noteworthy performance. Smith, who started at first base, went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. The left-handed batter stepped in for fellow lefty Josh Naylor, who took his first day off of the season.
Facing Mets starter David Peterson, Smith managed to hit 1-for-2 before walking and getting a single against right-handed relief pitchers. This performance comes as a part of Smith’s ongoing struggle against left-handed pitchers, where he holds a .226 career batting average. This season, he has only seven plate appearances against southpaws, hitting 1-for-5 with two walks.
In Wednesday’s match against the Mets, the Diamondbacks announced that Randal Grichuk would take over as the designated hitter and batting third in the lineup. Grichuk has primarily played against left-handed pitchers this season, having taken 35 of his 42 plate appearances against them. He will substitute for Smith as the DH, while the Mets plan to use southpaw Brandon Waddell for bulk relief after right-handed opener Huascar Brazoban exits the game.
As the Diamondbacks adapt their lineup, fans are hopeful to see more success against tough opponents like the Mets.
