Grit Index: D-backs drop opener to Nationals

Jun 26, 2013, 3:05 AM | Updated: 3:05 am

The Diamondbacks dropped their series opener to the Nationals 7-5 on Tuesday night, kicking off a 10-game road trip on a sour note.

The D-backs fell behind 6-0 after starter Trevor Cahill labored through five innings. Kirk Gibson’s squad didn’t surrender, instead chipping away at the six run deficit throughout the game. Unfortunately, the damage had been done.

The Good:

Second baseman Aaron Hill was back in lineup for the first time since going on the disabled list with a broken left hand on April 14. He was impressive at the plate in his return, going 2-for-4 with a double, single and a walk.

The D-backs tallied 14 hits in the loss, highlighted by
Paul Goldschmidt’s three knocks and Martin Prado’s sixth home run of the season.

The Bad

Cahill (3-9) surrendered six earned runs on eight hits with a home run and a walk in five innings. The D-backs’ right-hander saw his ERA rise to 4.29 on the season. Cahill is on pace for a career-worst month, amassing a 9.30 ERA in June.

Noted:

• The D-backs sent reliever Joe Patterson to Triple-A Reno to make room for Hill.

• Eric Hinske served his one-game suspension for his role in the June 11 brawl against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. Prior to the game, Hinske saw his five-game suspension reduced by Major League Baseball to just one game.

• Nats starter Gio Gonzalez was winless his last eight starts before notching his fourth win of the season against the D-backs on Tuesday.

What’s Next:

The D-backs and Nationals will play game two of their three-game series on Wednesday at 4:05 p.m. MST. Left-hander Wade Miley (4-6, 4.70) will get the start for Arizona. He will be opposed by right-hander Jordan Zimmermann for Washington (10-3, 2.26). The game can be heard on Arizona Sports 620.

Follow @AZSports

Arizona Diamondback's Paul Goldschmidt smiles during batting practice before his team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Trevor Cahill winds up during the first inning of the Diamondbacks' baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Miguel Montero walks back to the dugout after striking out in the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals' Adam LaRoche, center, is greeted by teammates Anthony Rendon (6) and Jayson Werth (28) after hitting a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Willie Bloomquist dives for a ball hit by Washington Nationals' Jayson Werth during the third inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. Werth singled on the play. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals' Adam LaRoche is tagged out by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Aaron Hill during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. Ian Desmond was safe at first. The Nationals won 7-5. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals' Anthony Rendon, left, is tagged out by Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero right, during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, June 25, 2013. The Nationals won 7-5. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.