Grit Index: Eric Hinske’s extra-inning blast helps D-backs sweep Brewers

In a game that had plenty of twists and turns, the D-backs got the final laugh in the top of the 11th inning, as Eric Hinske’s two-run home run gave Arizona an 8-7 win over the Brewers Sunday. The D-backs have started the season 5-1 for the second straight year.

The Good:

Blowing a two-run lead on the road in the ninth inning is often demoralizing. But the D-backs received plenty of help off their bench from Hinske (two-run home run) and relievers Tony Sipp and Heath Bell (one run allowed in two innings) over the final two frames.

Aaron Hill and Paul Goldschmidt continued their hot starts Sunday at the dish. The D-backs’ No. 3 and No. 5 hitters combined for three runs scored, four RBI and six hits.

The Bad:

While J.J. Putz’s blown save would definitely be categorized as bad, Arizona had an early chance to put runs on the board.

In the second inning, the D-backs loaded the bases off of Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo following singles by Miguel Montero, Goldschmidt and Jason Kubel. Yet with no outs, Montero was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a fly ball off the bat of Eric Chavez, and Cliff Pennington grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.

Stat of the Game:

3 – Yovani Gallardo came into Sunday’s game 6-0 with a 1.02 ERA in seven prior starts against the D-backs.

Arizona broke through at Miller Park, however, scoring four runs in six innings against Gallardo. It was the first time the Brewers’ ace gave up three runs or more to the D-backs.

Noted:

• Arizona swept the Brewers for the first time in franchise history. Sunday’s win also marked the first time the team swept its first road series of a season.

• Ron Roenicke made an interesting managerial decision in the bottom of the 11th. With the Brewers down to their final out, the Milwaukee manager had former MVP Ryan Braun stand in the on-deck circle. With runners on first and third and down a run the move made sense. But Braun, who didn’t play in any of the three games due to back spasms, was summoned back to the bench at the last second. Instead, pitcher Kyle Lohse was called on to pinch hit. He subsequently struck out against Heath Bell to end the game.

Up Next:

The D-backs return home Monday to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m., and Trevor Cahill is slated to make his second start of the season for Arizona.