A closer look: D-backs sweep Dodgers
Sep 13, 2012, 4:14 AM | Updated: 5:22 am
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’ September 12 win against the Dodgers. Final score: Diamondbacks 3, Dodgers 2.
The Good:
The D-backs beat the Dodgers 3-2 and swept their division rivals in this short two-game series. The Snakes are now only four games back of the second and final wild card spot in the National League.
Trevor Cahill brought his A-game, en route to his 11th win of the year. He pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits along with seven strikeouts. The win was Cahill’s first at Chase Field since July 20th against Houston.
David Hernandez earned his second consecutive save, the first time he has done so since July 7th and 8th of 2011 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Bad:
Closer JJ Putz was not available for the second straight night with back stiffness. Manager Kirk Gibson didn’t announce a timetable for the team’s closer.
Although they are only four games back of the Cardinals for the wild card, there are four teams (the Dodgers, Pirates, Phillies and Brewers) who are ahead of the D-backs in the standings for the last spot.
Noted:
D-backs starting pitchers are 9-0 with a 1.75 ERA in their last 12 games against the division rival Dodgers.
This is the first time the Snakes have won two straight one-run ballgames since the opening series of the season against the Giants.
He Said It:
“We need to keep running in the same direction, things are getting interesting,” D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said of the National League wild card race. “There’s a lot of teams involved, so it’s good, it’s exciting and the energy should be good.”
Up Next:
The Diamondbacks welcome the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants into town for a three-game weekend series during “throwback” weekend at Chase Field. Friday’s game features Giants ace Matt Cain against Tyler Skaggs for Arizona.
