Inside the Box: Duke struggles early again

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 10, 2011: Cardinals 4, Diamondbacks 2

The Good:

Ryan Roberts was the offensive spark for the D-backs. His two-run homer in the second was the only scoring the D-backs managed all day. It may have been his only hit of the game, but Tatman made it count. The homer also tied the game, until Duke gave up two more runs in the bottom of the third.

The Bad:

D-backs starter Zach Duke continued his early-game struggles on Sunday. Duke was already four runs in the hole by the end of the third inning. In his six total innings, Duke gave up nine hits and four earned runs. He only struck out one batter.

With the D-backs possibly looking to strengthen their rotation, Duke’s 2-4 record is starting to make him look like a liability rather then an asset.

The Ugly:

The D-backs have not won a series in St. Louis since 2003.

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