Grit Index: D-backs rally behind four-run inning, Parra’s arm

An early hole, a lackluster offense, a blown call and an ejection.

Through 4.2 innings Thursday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks looked down for the count at AT&T Park.

But after an Adam Eaton double, a Willie Bloomquist walk and a wild pitch by Ryan Vogelsong, the complexion of the night changed with one swing of the bat.

A swing, not surprisingly, by first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

Attempting to go away on the D-backs All-Star with a 1-1 fastball, Vogelsong missed inside and Goldschmidt made him pay with a two-run double to center. Martin Prado promptly doubled home Goldschmidt, Aaron Hill followed with an RBI single of his own and Miguel Montero ended Vogelsong’s night with a single to right field.

When the dust settled, Arizona had a 4-2 lead — one which they’d keep over the final five frames.

Right-hander Trevor Cahill wasn’t dominant in his five innings of work, but the 25-year-old recorded his sixth win of the season, allowing just two runs on six hits. Cahill is unbeaten in his last four starts.

The Good:

Gerardo Parra arguably had his best defensive game of the season Thursday night and that’s saying something.

Aside from his beautiful diving catches in the second and sixth innings, the former Gold Glover recorded two outfield assists — nailing Brandon Crawford at home to end the third inning and Brandon Belt at second trying to extend a single in the fifth inning.

The Bad:

Parra would have had three outfield assists on the night if not for a blown call by home plate umpire Tom Hallion in the bottom the fourth inning.

With the Giants leading 1-0, Hector Sanchez hit a lazy fly ball to Parra in right. Undeterred by Parra’s assist to end the third, Pablo Sandoval tried his luck at home plate but was unsuccessful.

Or was he?

While various video replays showed that Sandoval missed the plate before colliding with Montero, Hallion ruled the Giants third baseman safe at home.

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson came out to argue on two separate occasions but to no avail as he was eventually tossed, and instead of a third outfield assist, Parra and Co. saw their deficit increased to two.

Noted:

• The D-backs bullpen (Tony Sipp, Will Harris, Joe Thatcher and Brad Ziegler) threw four scoreless innings, allowing just three hits in the process.

• Goldschmidt’s two-run double increased his NL-leading RBI total to 106.

• Despite the victory, Arizona failed to gain ground in the NL Wild Card Race, as Cincinnati took down St. Louis by a final of 6-2.

He Said It:

“He’s unbelievable out there. He’s got a big arm, and tonight was a big night for him defensively.” — Martin Prado on right fielder Gerardo Parra

Up Next:

The D-backs continue their four-game series in San Francisco Friday night. For Arizona, left-hander Patrick Corbin (13-5, 2.96 ERA) will take the mound. Corbin is 1-4 in his last seven starts and allowed five earned runs against the Giants in his last outing on September 1. As was the case in that start, Corbin will be opposed by right-hander Yusmeiro Petit (2-0, 3.12). Petit struck out 10 in an 8-2 victory over Arizona in his last start.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m MST. and you can catch the game on Arizona Sports 620.