The Arizona Diamondbacks are frequently setting themselves up for failure, and it starts in the first inning.

After yet another ugly performance by right-hander Zac Gallen on Friday against the Chicago Cubs, the trend of the D-backs falling into early holes continued in a major way.

Gallen surrendered three earned runs in the first inning of Friday's game. Set up with an early deficit and a high pitch count after just one frame, Gallen went on to give up three more runs, leaving before completing the fourth inning. That was not a new sight for a D-backs starting pitcher of late.

"I think we just got out of sorts and out of sequencing," manager Torey Lovullo said , speaking to D-backs.TV's Todd Walsh after the game.

"Certain pitches were supposed to be thrown in certain areas, and we couldn't get to it.…