Tim Tawa’s Heroics Highlight Tanner Scott’s Predictability in Diamondbacks’ Walk-Off Triumph Over Dodgers
The Arizona Diamondbacks secured a thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night at Chase Field, largely thanks to the late-game heroics of Tim Tawa. The young base runner’s celebration after crossing home plate marked a pivotal moment in a game that showcased the vulnerabilities of Dodgers’ reliever Tanner Scott.
Scott’s Struggles on Display
Tanner Scott’s challenges on the mound have been evident throughout the season, and if there were a simple solution to his struggles, he likely would have found it by now. In his most recent outing, Scott attempted to make adjustments, but the results were telling.
During July and August, hitters exploited Scott’s four-seam fastball, batting a staggering .500 against it, with nine hits including three home runs. This high batting average is less a reflection of the fastball itself being ineffective and more indicative of Scott’s ongoing battle with command. The left-hander has consistently failed to establish an advantage in counts, having thrown just 31 percent of his pitches ahead in the count this September.
A Shift to the Slider
In a bid to improve his performance, Scott has reduced his reliance on the fastball. However, the pitch remains a liability; both home runs he surrendered this month came off his fastball. Conversely, Scott has shown a willingness to utilize his slider, which statistically stands as his most effective pitch. Unfortunately for him, last night in Arizona, he leaned on the slider too heavily.
In a dramatic ninth inning, Geraldo Perdomo delivered the knockout blow with an RBI single, capping off a two-run rally against Scott. The critical moment came with a full count as Scott hung a 90-mph slider over the plate, allowing Perdomo to drive it into left field, sealing the Dodgers’ fate in this significant National League West clash.
Perdomo’s Insight
Perdomo emphasized his anticipation of Scott’s reliance on the slider, noting, “I saw the at-bat against (Ildermaro) Vargas; he threw six of seven sliders. I knew he was going to throw the same thing to me. I was ready for that slider.” This insight underscores how predictable Scott has become, a development that has exacerbated his issues on the mound.
A Limited Arsenal
The question remains as to whether Scott has lost confidence in his fastball or simply lost the ability to place it effectively. Regardless, the reality is stark: the four-seam fastball and the slider are his only two pitches. With the fastball becoming increasingly disregarded, Scott risks becoming one-dimensional. In last night’s game, he threw 21 pitches, 18 of which were sliders.
A Season of Frustration
This predictability is a new and unwelcome challenge for Scott, who has openly expressed his frustrations throughout the season. With a record of 1-4 and an ERA of 4.91 across 59 appearances, the former prospect has struggled to live up to expectations. The Dodgers signed Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract earlier this year, but with the postseason looming, his window for redemption is rapidly closing.
As the Diamondbacks celebrated their hard-fought victory, the spotlight shone brightly on Tanner Scott’s ongoing struggles, raising questions about his role in the team’s playoff aspirations.
