A closer look: D-backs swept by Cubs

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’ July 15 loss to the Cubs. Final
score: Cubs 3, Diamondbacks 1.

The Good:

It’s hard to find the silver lining in a series sweep but Diamondbacks’
second baseman Aaron Hill continued his hot hitting with an eighth inning
home run, his 12th of the season.

Hill also reached base three times in Sunday’s loss and was the lone bright
spot for the team’s scuffling offense.

The Bad:

Trevor Cahill (7-8) lost for the third time in his last four outings. The
D-backs’ right-hander surrendered three runs on four hits over 5 1/3
innings.

Justin Upton, the subject of trade rumors and speculation in recent weeks,
went 0-for-4 and was hitless in 10 at-bats in the series.

The Cubs offense outscored the D-backs 15-3 during their three-game
set.

He Said It:

“When you’re not hitting, it magnifies things,” D-backs’ manager Kirk
Gibson said. “The story of the series was our lack of offense and
inconsistency.”

Noted:

The Cubs have now won 12 of their last 16 games since June 25, the best
record in baseball during that stretch.

Left fielder Jason Kubel sat out for the second straight game with a tight
right hamstring. He pinch hit in Saturday’s loss and the team is holding out
hope he’ll be able to avoid a DL stint.

D-backs’ pitcher Trevor Cahill, who has just three hits in 45 at-bats,
singled twice for his first career two-hit game.

Coming up next:

The D-backs travel to Cincinnati to take on the Reds Monday at 4:10 p.m.
Rookie Wade Miley (9-5, 3.04) is set to oppose right-hander Bronson
Arroyo (4-5, 3.73).

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