D-backs' Justin Upton finally breaks out
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PrintOriginally published: Apr 24, 2012 - 4:06 pm
The two-time All-Star got off to a slow start in 2012 and then injured his left thumb while sliding into a base on April 18.
But finally, Monday night, Upton had a breakthrough offensively, knocking in his first two runs of the season and connecting on his first home run - a solo shot off of Philadelphia's Kyle Kendrick in the fourth inning of a 9-5 D-backs' win.
Want proof that Upton's maturing? Gibson points to his other contributions outside of run production.
"His on-base was over .350 even though he was hitting .205 going into the game (Monday)," he said. "So it's not the J-Up that everybody wants, but he was still contributing and it means a lot to the team.
"Hopefully the results will continue to come and he'll give us a huge lift."
Upton's round-tripper was his first since last September 19 -- a span of 59 at-bats, which was the longest HR drought of his career.
Arizona Sports' Craig Grialou contributed to this report
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