A closer look: Ryan Howard’s walk-off single lifts Phils over D-backs

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’ August 5
loss to the Phillies.
Final
score: Phillies 5, Diamondbacks 4.

The Good:

Starter Trevor Cahill delivered a solid performance, allowing three runs on
six hits with six strikeouts in seven innings of work.

Third baseman Chris Johnson continues to swing a hot bat for Arizona,
launching another home run on Sunday. Johnson is hitting .381
(8-for-21) with three homers and 10 RBIs in six games since coming over
from the Astros.

Stephen Drew and Paul Goldschmidt also homered for the
Diamondbacks, staking Cahill to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning.

The Bad:

Right-handed reliever David Hernandez suffered a meltdown in the eighth
inning, surrendering a 4-3 lead.

Left-hander Josh Collmenter (3-3) took the mound in the ninth inning of a
4-4 tie. He gave up a lead off single to Juan Pierre, who advanced to third
on Laynce Nix’s single. The D-backs then opted to walk Chase Utley
intentionally, to get to a struggling Ryan Howard. The
Phillies’ slugger made Collmenter pay, stroking a walk-off single to give
Philadelphia the 5-4 win.

He Said It:

Nix’s single in the ninth inning went off the glove of D-backs’ right fielder
Justin Upton, who appeared to have a beat on the ball.

“I thought I had the ball when it hit the ground,” Upton said. “It just popped
out.”

D-backs’ skipper Kirk Gibson explained his club’s shortcomings in the
series finale loss to the Phillies.

“They outexecuted us when it counted,” Gibson said. “They put pressure
on us all day. It’s frustrating but you just get over it and come back
tomorrow.”

Noted:

The Phillies have now won their eighth series in nine attempts at home
against the D-backs since Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004.

Center fielder Chris Young played in his 850th game with the D-backs,
which moved him into second place on the franchise’s all-time games
played list.

Philadelphia starter Cliff Lee received a no-decision in the game, extending
his winless streak at home this season.

Coming Up:

The D-backs head to Pittsburgh to open a four-game series against the
Pirates at PNC Park at 7:05 p.m. on Monday. Left-hander Wade Miley (12-6,
2.98) will take the mound for Arizona. He will be opposed by fellow lefty
Erik Bedard (5-12, 4.83).

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