Inside the Box: Saunders slips up in loss to Dodgers

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 August 6, 2011: Dodgers 5, Diamondbacks 3

The Good:

The D-backs’ rally showed signs of a comeback on Saturday. And did they need it. In the eighth inning, after an RBI double by Justin Upton that left him on second and the D-backs trailing by two, Chris Young blasted a ball that looked promising, until it was caught in left field just this side of the wall.

The ninth inning also showed promise, but ended with the same sense of heartbreak. Ryan Reynolds was on third thanks to a double and some risky base running. The D-backs again had the tying run at the plate, only to ground out twice in a row to end the game.

The Bad:

The Dodgers have been hitting well thus far in Arizona and Joe Saunders needed to throw a low-scoring game. That plan did not really work out, as he only made it through 5.1 innings. In that time, he gave up eight hits for four earned runs. If the D-backs are to avoid being swept tomorrow, the bullpen and starters need to work together to keep the Dodgers quiet.

The Ugly:

In the two games so far in this series with the Dodgers, starters Saunders and Josh Collmenter have combined for a total of 7.2 innings, 16 hits and 10 earned runs.

Follow @carternacke