‘Engaged’ crowds headline start of Diamondbacks’ Chase homestand
Diamondbacks outfielder Gregor Blanco darted to his left, stretched out and somehow managed to make a fly ball off the bat of the Phillies’ Odubel Herrera disappear into his glove.
It was a clutch defensive grab in a scoreless second inning, especially with a runner on second, that held up as a key sequence in an eventual one-run game.
But it was also remembered as a play that stirred one of the loudest moments at Chase Field Sunday afternoon as the crowd of 28,179 erupted, clapping and hollering its praise long after Blanco got to his knees and hustled the ball back into the infield.
“The homestand has been great so far,” infielder/outfielder Chris Owings said. “Last night, with the bobblehead and the fireworks, it was a great crowd, and the fans came back out today. Blanco made that diving catch, and the fans were cheering. It’s just a lot of fun right now.”
Blanco’s slick catch wasn’t the only highlight that led to a hearty ovation as the Diamondbacks walked off the Phillies in the 11th inning to grab a 2-1 win, improving their home record to an impressive 28-10 clip.
They’ve gone 13-2 at home since the middle of May, but their recent showing on a near-perfect 7-1 road trip seemed to spike interest even more around the Valley with the spirited reception at Chase Field during their first weekend back hard to miss.
“The crowds that have been behind us the past couple days have been very wellreceived in the dugout,” manager Torey Lovullo said.
“These guys have made several comments about the energy in the stadium, and these fans are very engaged and we appreciate that. We know they’re there, and we love seeing them.”
Arizona drew 100,384 fans for the first three games of their series against the Phillies, its highest attendance for any weekend so far this season. Saturday’s announced crowd of 40,557 was the second-largest this season, with the Diamondbacks hosting a Stars Wars Day that included a Paul Goldschmidtthemed bobblehead giveaway. Only the season opener (49,016) drew more.
During the team’s previous homestand, it had 95,574 in attendance for a Friday through Sunday set against the Brewers.
“We have seen a nice lift over the last two homestands,” Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall said via text message. “A contributing factor has been the 4,000 sold for the ballpark pass. But beyond that, we have seen a steady climb and a great deal of excitement.”
Almost 50 percent of those who purchased the sold-out Ballpark Summer Pass, which allows fans to attend every home game in June and July for $50, were first-time buyers, Hall said.
“This was a part of the strategy – get younger, first-time visitors, and it is happening,” he said. “Hope they make it a habit.”
Stretching out
Second baseman Brandon Drury remained in the game after hitting the ground hard as he sprawled for a ball Phillies pinch-hitter Howie Kendrick dropped into shallow right field in the seventh inning.
“He just knocked the wind out of himself,” Lovullo said. “The arm got caught underneath. I think he landed somewhere on his elbow, and he got a little banged up and I know the play before that he had tripped and fallen. So there was a couple plays there that were probably tough on his body.”
Short hop
The Diamondbacks have their rotation set for their next five games after inserting right-hander Randall Delgado in for a spot start Sunday, but it’s possible they shuffle the order again soon.
Left-handers Patrick Corbin and Robbie Ray are scheduled to pitch back-to-back this week, which has sparked some concerns for the Diamondbacks, Lovullo said.
With an off-day after the team completes next weekend’s series against the Rockies, the Diamondbacks could end up reorganizing their look, Lovullo said.