The Arizona Diamondbacks are off to a promising start in 2017 -- but it seems like most fans are yet to notice.
The D-backs squandered a chance to move into first place in the National League West division on Wednesday, blowing a two-run ninth-inning lead in a 8-5 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres. To make matters worse, the game was played in front of just 12,215 fans -- by far the lowest in Chase Field history.
The attendance mark shattered the team's previous low of 14,110 fans in a game last July -- also against the Padres.
The D-backs sold out their Opening Day game vs. the Giants, but the team is averaging 24,304 fans per home game this season, the ninth-lowest average in Major League Baseball. They averaged 25,138 fans per home game last season.
For comparison's sake, the Arizona Coyotes, who averaged the second-lowest attendance in the NHL last season, averaged just over 13,000 fans per home game during 2016-17.
Despite the loss, the Diamondbacks are 14-9 this season, their best start in nine years. They've one-half game behind the Colorado Rockies for first place in the NL West.
The Rockies visit the D-backs for a three-game series beginning Friday. There are still plenty of good seats available.
