Grit Index: D-backs set extra innings record in win
Sep 25, 2013, 6:08 AM | Updated: 6:08 am
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ erratic offense failed to show up for the second consecutive day against the San Diego Padres, but the D-backs still managed to beat the Padres 2-1 in 12 innings Tuesday at Petco Park.
The D-backs set the MLB single-season record for most extra innings played in a season with 78.
D-backs starter Wade Miley scattered four hits over six shutout innings while striking out seven and walking one to continue a run of four-straight solid outings since lasting just 1.2 innings and allowing five runs to Toronto on Sept. 3.
Paul Goldschmidt stayed true to his MVP-caliber form, giving the D-backs their lone run in the game’s first nine innings with a solo home run to deep right field with two out in the sixth.
Goldschmidt’s blast was almost enough to carry the D-backs to a win, but not quite.
The Padres weren’t able to muster a legitimate scoring threat until they loaded the bases with two out in the eighth inning against David Hernandez, following a pair of singles to lead off the inning and an intentional walk. Hernandez struck out Tommy Medica, but not before throwing a wild pitch that allowed the tying run to score.
But Chris Owings hit a one-out double to left in the 12th before scoring on Didi Gregorius’ double. Brad Ziegler tossed a perfect 12th for his 12th save of the season.
San Diego starter Tyson Ross continued his dominance of the D-backs, as he struck out six and allowed just three hits over eight innings. The D-backs have scored just five runs against Ross in his four starts against them this season, and four of those came in a single outing.
The Good:
Miley wasn’t dominant, but he gave his team a chance to win.
And that’s exactly what they did behind the left-hander’s solid performance in which he tossed five or more innings while allowing three or less runs for the fourth consecutive start since being roughed up by Toronto.
The Bad:
The umpires, who keep finding a way to remain the center of attention during MLB games this season.
Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Eaton was thrown out at third just before Goldschmidt’s blast, and Hernandez threw a 2-2 pitch that San Diego’s Tommy Medica fouled off with the bases loaded and two out.
Or at least that’s what the umpires said. Replays showed that Eaton was clearly safe at third — contrary to Hunter Wendelstedt’s call — and Hernandez’s pitch hit Medica in the forearm, a call that was blown by home plate umpire Alan Porter before the crew got together and collectively made the wrong decision.
At least one of those calls didn’t play a major role in the outcome of the game, as Hernandez threw a wild pitch that tied the game at one before striking Medica out.
Up Next:
The Diamondbacks’ Randall Delgado (5-6, 3.96 ERA) will take on San Diego’s Ian Kennedy (3-2, 4.47 ERA) at Petco Park. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. and can be heard on Arizona Sports 620 AM.
