A closer look: Miley, Hill help D-backs to win over Mariners

Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but
we all know that won’t tell you everything that
happened in a baseball game. So, we will give you a closer
look, providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes
from the D-backs’ June 18 victory over the Mariners. Final
score: Diamondbacks 7, Mariners 1

The Good

Wade Miley improved to 8-3 while lowering his ERA to 2.30
with a seven-inning, one-run outing against Seattle. He
also tied his career high with eight strikeouts (also,
June 13 at Rangers). Meanwhile, Aaron Hill hit for the
cycle for the first time in his career. He became the
fifth player in franchise history to reach the milestone
but the first to do so in only four plate appearances.

The Bad

Chris Young went 0-for-4 and was the only starter, the
pitcher included (Miley doubled in the second inning), to
not reach base safely. The center fielder is hitting .149
(13-for-87) in 24 games since coming off the disabled
list.

The Funny

Miley hasn’t only been stellar on the mound this season,
but has been pretty productive with a bat in his hands as
well. Miley is hitting .385 (10-for-26) on the season and
has hits in eight of his last nine games.

In the second inning Monday night, Miley hit a double to
left field off of Seattle starter Hector Noesi. But the
rookie wasn’t satisfied with two bases and tried to
stretch it into a triple. No dice. After misplaying the
ball off the wall in foul territory, Seattle left fielder
Michael Saunders recovered and threw Miley out at third
easily.

Television replays showed several of Miley’s teammates
chuckling after the play.

“I thought the ball was rolling to the fence,” Miley said.
“As I’m running to third, out of the corner of my eye, I
see and I said ‘oh, I’m out.'”

He Said it

“I don’t think I’ve ever tried to hit home run and
actually done it,” Hill said after the game when asked if
he tried to hit a home run his final at-bat knowing that’s
what separated him from a cycle. “You just take a deep
breath and try to do what you’ve done the last previous
at-bats. I’m feeling good at the plate, just see a ball
up and look for something to drive.”

Noted

The D-backs ended their 21-inning scoreless streak with
three runs in the first inning. The team hadn’t had a
player cross home plate since the sixth inning Friday
night at Anaheim.

The D-backs tied a club record with four sacrifice flies
(also, May 18, 2003 vs. Pirates).

Aaron Hill tied his career-high with four hits and is now
hitting .408 (20-for-49) over his last 13 games, raising
his batting average 33 points from .251 to .284.

Coming up next

The D-backs continue their series with Seattle Tuesday
with Daniel Hudson (3-1, 5.67) taking the mound against
Erasmo Ramirez (0-1, 4.50). Hudson is 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA
(13 ER in 21.2 IP) in four starts since returning from the
disabled list.

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