Inside the Box: Saunders rains on Cardinals’ parade
Jul 8, 2011, 4:13 AM | Updated: 5:15 am
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 July 7, 2011: Diamondbacks 4, Cardinals 1
The Good:
Joe Saunders is proving why he is a starter. He locked up his sixth win of the season Thursday by throwing five innings and only allowing one hit and no runs. While he looked to be in a spot of trouble in the first, he quickly composed himself and frustrated the Cardinals in St. Louis. He was likely pulled after the fifth inning due to a rain delay that caused his arm to go cold.
Saunders also got help from his defense, who turned two double plays.
The Bad:
The D-backs may have overdone it with the bullpen. The Cardinals only used two pitchers, but the D-backs used five. While the D-backs won, the bullpen could be tired after being on a road trip and used so much tonight. With three games left in the series with the Cardinals before the All-Star break, manager Kirk Gibson should use more caution with his bullpen – especially with the return of Albert Pujols to the Cardinals line-up.
The Funky:
Thursday’s game saw two rain delays: one prior to the game and one during the top of the sixth inning.
