Christian Walkers home run barrage has Diamondbacks announcer going wild
It’s been a disappointing season for the Diamondbacks, but one monster performance provided some excitement — particularly in the broadcast booth.With Arizona finishing its three-game series against the vaunted Dodgers on the road, first baseman Christian Walker slugged his whopping fifth home run of the slate, leaving jaws agape.“Another one’s on its way!” shouted DBacks play-by-play man Steve Berthiaume.“Christian Walker has taken over Dodger Stadium! There is no explanation for this.
It just goes on and on and on! It’s amazing!”In addition to thumping five long ones, Walker went 8-for-13 (a .615 batting average) with nine runs batted in, a double, three walks and seven runs — potentially on his way to NL Player of the Week plaudits.Arizona rode Walker to two crucial road wins at Dodger Stadium, its second away series claimed against L.A.this season.The 33-year-old Walker is in the midst of another tremendous offensive campaign, accruing 22 home runs, 62 RBIs and a 145 OPS+ (where 100 is average) through 87 games.Across 2022-23, Walker belted at least 33 home runs and tallied at least 94 RBIs, finishing with an OPS of at least .800.In fact, Walker is one of nine MLB players to accomplish that level of power in the previous two seasons, including one of three first basemen.Despite the steady raking from Walker, the Diamondbacks entered play Friday at just 43-44 after making it to the World Series last season.Unanimous 2023 Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll is in the throes of a major sophomore slump, hitting just .210 and racking up only 0.6 wins above replacement through 85 games.Meanwhile, stalwart pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have combined to make only 17 starts because of several major injuries.Despite ongoing concerns, the Diamondbacks are only 2 ½ games back of the final National League wild-card spot, the same route they took to the Fall Classic after going 84-78 a season ago.If Arizona maintains its current pace, the team could...