Grit Index: Gregorius’ RBI bunt single snaps D-backs’ three-game skid

Jun 27, 2013, 11:24 PM | Updated: Jun 28, 2013, 1:26 am

Every now and then what is predicted to be an exciting pitching matchup lives up to its billing, and such was the case as the Arizona Diamondbacks battled the Washington Nationals in the series finale Thursday in Washington D.C.

Patrick Corbin (seven innings, five hits, two earned runs allowed) vs. Stephen Strasburg (seven innings, six hits, two earned runs allowed) pitted two of the National League’s best young pitchers against each other, and the two posted very similar lines on the way to no decisions.

Of course, their individual battle was the second-most important story of the day, as Didi Gregorius’ RBI bunt single in the 11th inning helped the D-backs snap a three-game losing streak with a
3-2 win over the Nationals.

The Good:

While Corbin twirled his third consecutive quality start, the D-backs bullpen was also fantastic Thursday. Josh Collmenter moved to 4-0 on the season and notched his third extra-inning win of 2013.

Heath Bell recorded his 14th save of the season and ended a five-game streak of allowing at least one home run.

The Bad

Despite another strong performance, Corbin was denied a chance to win his 10th game of the season. D-backs starters have now gone 19-straight games without a victory.

Corbin’s bid for win No. 10 was largely thwarted by the offense’s inability to capitalize on scoring chances in the ninth and tenth innings. Arizona was 1-of-9 Thursday with runners in scoring in position.

Noted:

• Paul Goldschmidt stole his team-leading seventh stolen base in the fourth inning.

• With Thursday’s win, the D-backs moved to 9-2 in extra-inning games in 2013.

• Aaron Hill’s sixth inning, game-tying home run was his third of the year and first since coming off the disabled list on Monday.

What’s Next:

The D-backs continue their 10-game road trip Friday in Atlanta against the Braves. Right-hander Randall Delgado (0-1, 4.50 ERA) will start for Arizona against his former team. Atlanta will counter with Julio Teheran (5-4, 3.32 ERA). The game can be heard on Arizona Sports 620 at 4:30 p.m.

Follow @AZSports

A fan sits under his umbrella during a rain delay prior to the start of a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Members of the Washington Nationals' security crew stand on the field in ponchos during a rain delay before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon, right, fields baseballs as he receives pointers from teammate Ian Desmond, right, before a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Members of the grounds crew squeegee water off the infield tarp during a rain delay before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman throws out Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt at first during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Patrick Corbin throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt catches a pop-up hit by Washington Nationals' Jayson Werth to end the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington. Behind Goldschmidt is umpire Alan Porter. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon as he makes the catch to tag out Arizona Diamondbacks' Gerardo Parra, right, who was caught stealing in the third inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.