Inside the Box: Diamondbacks stranded against Cubs
After every Arizona Diamondbacks game we’ll examine the box score and provide you with instant analysis. So it’s time to go Inside the Box for April 4, 2011: Cubs 4, Diamondbacks 1
There may be more zeros in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ box score from Monday than there were in my limo at prom, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a few interesting things we can learn from it.
The Good:
When you take a quick glance one thing stands out, the fact that the D-backs have bought into what manager Kirk Gibson was preaching about aggressiveness this spring. They added two more stolen bases to their season total, 7, as Ryan Roberts and Kelly Johnson swiped bags. Justin Upton also attempted to get in on the fun but pulled a Winona Ryder and was caught stealing.
Another good thing was starting pitcher Joe Saunders line. He went 6 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits. It’s a good start when you consider that his Cactus League ERA was just slightly better than Barry Enright, Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy’s combined, 12.46 to 12.52.
The Bad:
On the negative side of the ledger, the Snakes went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. While leaving 11 runners total stranded on base. It doesn’t matter how aggressive you are on the base paths, if you can’t put the bat on the ball when it counts, you’re going to lose a lot more than you win.
The Funky:
ASU product Willie Bloomquist hit a lead off home run for the D-backs. It was his first home run since August 25th of last year. He has 13 career homers, which isn’t all that funky until you realize that spans his entire nine-year career.
