A closer look: Soriano powers Cubs past D-backs
Jul 14, 2012, 12:28 AM | Updated: 1:54 am
Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all
know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a baseball
game. So, we will give you a closer look, providing you with the
analysis, quotes and notes from the D-backs’ July 13 loss to the Cubs. Final score: Cubs 8, Diamondbacks 1.
The Good:
Not much went right for the Diamondbacks, who showed apparent rust to start the second half of the season. The team did manage to get the game in against the Cubs, despite a nearly four-hour rain delay. Although, with the outcome that followed, the D-backs would have been better off if the game had been postponed.
The Bad:
Ian Kennedy (6-8) was rocked for six runs on seven hits and surrendered two home runs to Alfonso Soriano in five-plus innings of work. He was erratic throughout his outing, hitting a batter, walking two and throwing two wild pitches.
Soriano absolutely man-handled the D-backs Friday, going 4-for-4 on the day, with the two longballs off Kennedy, two doubles and five RBI. It was the second multi-homer game of the year for the Cubs’ left fielder, and his five RBIs matched a career-high.
The D-backs also saw left fielder Jason Kubel leave the game with a tight hamstring. The club listed him as day-to-day.
He Said It:
“Long delay, but there’s no excuses. I didn’t pitch very good,” Kennedy said. “You want to start off good after the All-Star break. That’s not how you should pitch in order to win a game.”
Noted:
The D-backs fell victim to a hot Cubs squad, who have won 10 of their last 14 contests.
Cubs starter Paul Maholm (7-6) notched the win against the D-backs Friday. The last time he faced Phoenix, he had his shortest outing of the season. Maholm got tagged for nine hits and six runs on June 23, but hasn’t lost since.
Coming up next:
The D-backs will face the Cubs again Saturday in game two of their three-game set at Wrigley Field at 1:05 p.m. Left-hander Joe Saunders (4-5, 3.44) will make his first start since being activated from the DL with a left shoulder strain. He will be opposed by Cubs’ right-hander Ryan Dempster (4-3, 1.99).
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