A closer look: Johnson’s grand slam leads D-backs past Dodgers
Jul 31, 2012, 4:34 AM | Updated: 6:44 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’ July 30
win over the Dodgers.
Final
score: Diamondbacks 7, Dodgers 2.
The Good:
Newly acquired third baseman Chris Johnson jacked a grand slam in his first game with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The D-backs completed a trade with Houston on Sunday for Johnson, who will now start at third for Kirk Gibson’s club.
Johnson wasn’t the only member of the D-backs offense to take Dodgers starter Aaron Harang (7-6) deep. Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run homer in the first inning of Monday’s 7-2 win.
D-backs hurler Trevor Cahill (9-9) delivered a strong performance on the mound. He allowed a run on six hits over six innings with four punchouts and three walks.
The Bad:
Shortstop Stephen Drew, who is rumored to be on the trading block, went 0-for-4 Monday and saw his average dip to .193 on the season.
Right-fielder Justin Upton also had a hitless day at the plate, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
He Said It:
Johnson explained what it was like to start fresh with a new team for the first time in his career.
“I told one of the guys this was like Opening Day for me,” Johnson said. “My nerves were running wild tonight.”
The 27-year-old was certainly able to keep his jitters in check as his fifth inning home run attests.
“Not that I was trying to hit a home run, but any time a guy gets walked in front of you on purpose you want to go up there and get a big hit,” Johnson said. “I was just trying to square something up and got it up, and so got it out of the ballpark.”
Noted:
Johnson became the first player in franchise history to hit a grand slam in his debut with the team.
Trevor Cahill improved his record against the Dodgers to 3-0 with a pristine 1.85 ERA in four career starts.
The D-backs designated veteran first baseman Lyle Overbay for assignment before the game to open up a roster spot for Johnson.
Up Next:
The Diamondbacks will play game two of their three-game set against the Dodgers on Tuesday. Rookie left-hander Wade Miley (11-6, 3.11) gets the call for Arizona. He will be opposed by fellow southpaw Chris Capuano (10-6, 3.13).
