Clik here to view.
The D’Backs found their bats in Kansas City for the three game sweep against the Royals. This sweep pushes Arizona to 15-4 in their last 19 road games.
Tuesday, the game started out rough as Joe Saunders gave up a home run to Alex Gordon on the first pitch of the game. Then in the 5th inning the Diamondbacks got their bats started with a home run from recent call up Wily Mo Pena. Turns out giving Pena his first MLB start since 2008 was a great idea from manager Kirk Gibson. That was only the start as Arizona went on to score 7 runs in the game on their way to a 7-2 win.
Clik here to view.
Ian Kennedy pitched six strong innings in a win against the Royals
Wednesday, Ian Kennedy took the mound and proved why he is the ace for the Diamondbacks. Kennedy pitched six solid innings allowing 8 hits and only 1 run. What the box score doesn’t show is the fact that Kennedy was able to pitch himself out of trouble throughout the game. Allowing only one run off of 8 hits is remarkable. The bats again came alive in the 5th inning scoring 3 runs. J.J. Putz allowed a hit and a walk before ending the game for his 19th save of the season.
Thursday, the bats were on a roll again in the D’Backs 5-3 rout of the Royals to complete the sweep. Juan Miranda and Miguel Montero both had solo home runs and Chris Young knocked in 2 runs while Daniel Hudson pitched 7 innings allowing 3 runs for his 9th win of the season and J.J. Putz was able to record his 20th save of the season.
Clik here to view.
J.J. Putz recorded 2 saves in Kansas City on his way to 20 saves.
With the Giants recent struggles and the Diamondbacks success, Arizona finds themselves atop the NL West by ½ a game. Next, the Diamondbacks have a series on the road again against the Tigers.
The Diamondbacks must continue their success with their offense while also holding onto their success with their bullpen. This series against Detroit will test their success against quality AL competition who are only game behind the Indians in the AL Central.
With this series it is a homecoming for two Diamondbacks, Kirk Gibson who played for the Tigers for 12 years and rookie starting pitcher Josh Collmenter who grew up in Michigan.
If the Diamondbacks can pull another sweep out of Gibson’s magic cap then Arizona stands a chance of taking their biggest division lead this season as the Giants face off against current AL Central leader the Cleveland Indians.
Zach Duke takes the mound for Arizona against Phil Coke for Detroit.
