Grit Index: Big inning, Corbin help D-backs snap losing streak

After four straight losses by two runs or less, the Arizona Diamondbacks were looking to create some separation between themselves and the San Diego Padres early in Saturday night’s contest at Petco Park.

Sparked by the bottom of the order, Kirk Gibson’s squad did just that in the top off the second inning off San Diego starter Clayton Richard.

The D-backs scored a season-high six runs on five hits and a throwing error in the frame, and comfortably went on to snap their losing streak with an 8-1 rout of the Padres.

The seven-run victory was the team’s second-largest of 2013.

The Good:

Aside from the offensive eruption in the second inning and another solid night at the plate from A.J. Pollock (2-for-4, home run, three runs and three RBI), the D-backs also received a dazzling performance on the mound from starter Patrick Corbin.

Corbin moved to a perfect 4-0 and dropped his ERA to 1.80. He had Padres’ hitters off balance (seven strikeouts) all night with a good mix off fastballs and sliders.

The Bad:

Outside of one bad pitch by Corbin in the seventh inning, the D-backs played arguably their most complete game of the season.

They scored early, were opportunistic on the base paths and kept San Diego’s bats at bay. Even Heath Bell managed to get out of a bases loaded mess in the eighth inning unscathed.

Stat of the Game:

.367: Heading into Saturday night’s game, Padres outfielder Chris Denorfia was hitting .367 in his career against the D-backs — the highest average for any batter with at least 100 at-bats vs. the organization.

He went 2-for-5 in the loss, with a solo home run.

He Said It:

“We were due for one of these games. We got the bats going early, Patrick (Corbin) pitched well and we were able to relax.” — A.J. Pollock

Noted:

• Gerardo Parra singled back in the second inning and has hit safely in 16 of his last 17 games.

• Didi Gregorius was activated from disabled list Saturday, but he did not play because left-hander Clayton Richard started for the Padres.

Up Next:

The D-backs will look to win the three-game series Sunday when Ian Kennedy (1-2, 4.78) takes the bump against the Padres. He’ll be opposed by San Diego right-hander Edison Volquez (2-3, 6.39). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. and can be heard on Arizona Sports 620.