Arizona

Diamondbacks' Slade Cecconi looking to make mental adjustment

Published

8 months ago

May 15, 2024

Diamondbacks' Slade Cecconi looking to make mental adjustment

PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Slade Cecconi has been as dominant as any starter in baseball the first time through an opposing batting order, and that continued Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds.

He did not give up a hit until his 12th batter, yet his final line was 5.2 innings and a grisly six earned runs in a 6-2 loss.

Cecconi became the only pitcher of the past 50 years to throw 2.0 perfect innings in five straight starts at any point of a season but has faced problems maintaining that ember.

He challenged himself after the game to make a mental adjustment, aiming to get rid of a bad habit.

“When I find myself getting hit is when I find myself looking to place the ball,” Cecconi said. “I’ll usually maybe take a mile an hour or two off a pitch to try to execute it. I’m learning that can’t happen, that’s not going to play at this level. The better thing to do is always throw my best stuff.

“… As unfortunate as today was, I’m looking to use today as the day I take the mental leap.”

Here are opposing hitter splits against Cecconi this year:

First time: 1-for-43, 12 Ks
Second time: 15-39, 6 Ks

The right-hander’s fastball velocity had a wide range, up to 96.7 mph and down to 89.7 mph. He felt this was not a fatigue issue. He ripped a couple 96 mph heaters in his last at-bat to punch out Jonathan India.

Cecconi noticed himself placing the ball especially when behind in counts, which he seldom was the first round through the order. Cecconi was in attack mode with his fastball and effectively using the changeup, getting through three innings with only 34 pitches.

“They were swinging a lot early that first time through. I think the second time through we used the curveball more early and I wasn’t landing it,” Cecconi said. “But I think that was what got in my head a little bit where I was like, ‘Okay, I’m not landing that first pitch, I’m behind, let me get back into the count.’ That can’t happen anymore.”

The Reds scored two runs each in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings and went 7-for-14 at the plate against Cecconi after the third frame. Will Benson hit a two-run shot to take a 4-2 lead in the fifth, one the Reds never relinquished. Cecconi left the game with four runs charged to him, but Logan Allen let in a pair of inherited runners with two outs.

BENSON 💣 pic.twitter.com/nY7DqapblI
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) May 15, 2024

Manager Torey Lovullo and catcher Tucker Barnhart had a conversation in the middle innings when the catcher was noticing a difference out there.

“When you place the baseball, there’s a lack of finish to it and that’s when hitters really squared it up,” Lovullo said. “Ninety-six with a fearless, attacking mentality is going to get you better results than trying to place the baseball with no finish.”

D-backs pitcher Slade Cecconi looking to make a mental adjustment after tonight’s outing. pic.twitter.com/KiZ2QGsXNQ
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) May 15, 2024

“I don’t know what attributes to that necessarily, but of a lot of times when you get into a little bit of trouble, everybody tends to try to do maybe a little bit more, try to get three outs with one pitch,” catcher Tucker Barnhart said.

Cecconi said this issue has popped up in the past, but he figured it had to do with conditioning. Plus he was more equipped to get away with it at lower levels.

Lovullo has brought up Cecconi needing to get through a lineup thrice effectively multiple times before. This was a reason he was optioned to Triple-A Reno last year and out of the race for the fifth starter role at the end of spring training.

The manager said maintaining Cecconi’s stuff has been on his mind since he’s been watching him pitch. Cecconi is still only nine starts into his big league career, and most of them have been solid. It’s hard not to be tantalized by the highs of these starts, the potential they show. And the D-backs need him with the pitching injuries that continued to test the depth of the roster.

“I know I’ve been very critical of Slade, but I know he’s capable of doing more. That’s what we are supposed to do as coaches and teachers is challenge our guys to be the best version of themselves,” Lovullo said.

Hunter Greene deals vs. Diamondbacks

Arizona’s offense did not build many innings off Reds starter Hunter Greene, who went seven innings with two earned runs.

The D-backs took a 2-0 lead in the third on a Blaze Alexander two-out, two-run knock the other way. After that, the Diamondbacks had four hits, not more than one in any inning.

Kevin Newman stayed hot with a 2-for-2 night. He has multiple hits in four straight games, the only D-backs hitter to do so this season.

Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno had the night off and will start on Wednesday.

Diamondbacks’ next game

The rubber match is Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. D-backs right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (4.60 ERA) matches up with Reds southpaw Andrew Abbott (3.35 ERA).

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Arizona

Arizona Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Dec. 27, 2024

Published

3 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

Arizona Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Dec. 27, 2024

The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Arizona offers Powerball, Mega Millions, The Pick, Triple Twist, Fantasy 5 and Pick 3 as well as Scratchers, Quick Draw and Fast Play.

Lottery players have seen enormous jackpots recently, with previous winners of both the Powerball and Mega Millions breaking into the top 10 largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history. Money raised from Arizona lottery games goes toward funding higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation and economic and business development in the state.

Mega Millions

03-07-37-49-55, Mega Ball: 06, Megaplier: 3

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

4-7-6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Fantasy 5

11-14-28-38-41

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Triple Twist

06-08-15-24-33-37

Check Triple Twist payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news and results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Arizona Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to P.O. Box 2913, Phoenix, AZ 85062.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID to any of these locations:

Phoenix Arizona Lottery Office: 4740 E. University Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4400. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Tucson Arizona Lottery Office: 2955 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-628-5107. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Lottery Office: Terminal 4 Baggage Claim, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4424. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Kingman Arizona Lottery Office: Inside Walmart, 3396 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409, 928-753-8808. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://www.arizonalottery.com/.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy Arizona lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arizona Republic editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Arizona

Former Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke to transfer to Arizona

Published

16 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Former Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke to transfer to Arizona

Arizona football is adding depth to its quarterback room with the addition of a power conference signal caller.

Wisconsin transfer Braedyn Locke committed to Arizona on Friday, giving the Wildcats an experienced backup at quarterback. Locke threw for 1,936 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a sophomore with the Badgers.

The 6-foot, Rockwell, Texas native began the season as Wisconsin’s backup but took over starting duties when Tyler Van Dyke suffered a season-ending knee injury against Alabama.

Locke, who began his career at Mississippi State, has two years of remaining eligibility.

Locke threw for a season-high 359 yards in Wisconsin’s 52-6 win over Purdue in October. He struggled over Wisconsin’s last five games (all losses), throwing for six touchdowns and five interceptions and hovering around 50 percent completion rate.

Locke is not much of a runner, as he recorded just 4 total rushing yards on the season.

Locke joins Arizona knowing he’ll be in a backup role in 2025 behind returning quarterback Noah Fifita. He comes the 17th player to transfer to Arizona this offseason including the 10th on offense.

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Arizona

Miami Lands Arizona Cornerback From the Transfer Portal

Published

1 day ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Miami Lands Arizona Cornerback From the Transfer Portal

Miami continued to address a major roster need on Thursday as former Arizona cornerback Emmanuel Karnely announced his commitment to the Hurricanes over Ole Miss and Michigan. He visited Miami during the first weekend of the transfer portal after spending time in Oxford, and most recently visiting Ann Arbor.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder is considered the No. 6 cornerback and No. 68 overall player in the 247Sports Transfer Portal Rankings.

Karnley, a member of the 2023 recruiting class, has spent the last two seasons at Arizona. This past season, the redshirt freshman became a six-game starter for the Wildcats, only allowing 22 catches on 43 targets for 288 yards with four touchdowns allowed and five pass breakups.

The Canes are also targeting the other side of the room in Tacario Davis which would be great for the growing room. The freshman All-American OJ Frederique Jr. will also still be suiting up for the Canes next season. The depth and talent in the room will continue to grow and perform as Mario Cristobal continues to hit in the portal.

Karnely has three more years of eligibility. Karnley has become the fifth blue-chip transfer addition so far this portal season.