D-backs rout Reds, inch closer to final Wild Card spot

PHOENIX -- They still have a ways to go before they get back on the map as being in contention for a playoff spot, but it’s no longer such an unthinkable notion for the Diamondbacks.

Arizona roughed up Reds starter Andrew Abbott for seven runs (six earned) as they beat Cincinnati for a second straight night, 10-1, on Saturday at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks have now won four straight and are tied with the Cardinals in the NL Wild Card standings, 5 1/2 games behind the Mets for the final Wild Card spot.

That it’s even a discussion after the Diamondbacks dropped three of four last weekend in Denver is a surprise, but Arizona has clawed back into the periphery of the discussion thanks to taking two of three from the Guardians this past week and beating the Reds in the first two games of their series.

“Things change fast,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “We let some things slide away from us in Colorado. We know that we let some wins along this important month of August get away from us with some late-inning miscues on the mound, but we don't let that affect us. So I see it that this team is extremely aware, and they know what they have to do, and they want to go out and win baseball games.”

They will have to win a lot of games to really get back into the race. The Diamondbacks have 32 games remaining, and they will continue to face tough competition.

Monday, they open a seven-game road trip with a four-game series in Milwaukee, followed by a three-game weekend set against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. They have three more games against the Dodgers in September when they will also face the Red Sox, Phillies and Padres, all of whom would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.

“We're playing good,” said Jalen Beeks, who served as the opener Saturday. “We feel good. Lots of confidence. The vibes in the clubhouse are really good. We got a lot of good dudes here, lot of guys that are hungry. This season is not over for us. We're working our butts off, and we're going to try to see what happens and make a push for this thing.”

On paper, Saturday’s matchup favored the Reds with Abbott having an outstanding season, while Nabil Crismatt, who threw four innings as the bulk pitcher, was a waiver claim.

Crismatt, though, turned in his second impressive performance since the Diamondbacks acquired him, and the Arizona offense was relentless.

"I've always respected the way they play the game,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “Especially since my last year in Cleveland or I think the year before, since back then they run the bases well, they get after you. They always do that."

Arizona will go for the sweep Sunday afternoon with ace Zac Gallen on the mound against Brady Singer. The margin for error at this point is extremely small and the Diamondbacks can’t afford to have any letdown if they want to keep their longshot hopes alive.

“We’re feeling really good in here,” said third baseman Blaze Alexander, who finished a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. “Obviously, a big win today, put up a lot of runs. I think we know what we got to do, and that is show up to the ballpark and win. That's the only thing that really can be on our mind.”