ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Inside the Box: Saunders shuts down Padres

Jul 27, 2011, 3:14 AM | Updated: 4:33 am

After every Arizona Diamondbacks game we’ll examine the
box score and
provide you with instant analysis. So it’s time to go
Inside the Box for July
26, 2011: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 1

The Good:

Starter Joe Saunders was dominant throwing a complete game only giving up six hits and one run while lowering his ERA to 3.63 in the process.

Saunders has continued to get better and better as the season has worn on giving Arizona three solid starters with Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson.

Offensively for the D-backs, Justin Upton continued his hot streak hitting his 18th home run of the season in the sixth inning.

Kelly Johnson and Willie Bloomquist each had three hits in the game.

The Bad:

Not much went wrong in this game for Arizona but a couple of rookies struggled.

Colin Cowgill, making his Major League debut, went 0-4 on the night.

Recent call-up Brandon Allen also went 0-4 dropping his average to .125 as he continues to struggle to hit big league pitching.

Allen needs to start producing or the team might be looking for yet another first baseman.

Saunders had a chance for the complete game shutout but gave up a home run to Jesus Guzman with two outs in the ninth inning.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

12 minutes ago

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

53 minutes ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

1 hour ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

4 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks agree to TV, cable and satellite channel contracts

The Arizona Diamondbacks will air on linear TV channels as well as streams under an MLB-produced broadcast partnership in 2024.

7 hours ago

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

22 hours ago

Inside the Box: Saunders shuts down Padres