Kubel masterful in return from injury

After leaving Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs with
tightness in his hamstring, Jason Kubel returned to the
lineup in perfect form Wednesday against the Cincinnati
Reds.

Kubel went 2-for-4 hitting home runs in his first two at
bats and had three RBI, batting third behind Stephen Drew
and Aaron Hill. Kubel helped the Diamondbacks on their way
to the 7-1 win, the first loss Matt Latos (7-3) has been
handed since mid April.

“We’ve been pitching great, so it helps to hit and be able
to help put up some runs,” Kubel told Fox Sports Arizona
after
the game.

The Diamondbacks had scored just eight runs in five games
since the All-Star break going in to Wednesday’s win over
the Reds and had only managed to put up seven runs one
time in the month of July.

Kubel pinch-hit Saturday in the ninth inning for David
Hernandez, but grounded into a double play to end the
game. Manager Kirk Gibson chose to sit Kubel out the next
three games, before putting him back in the lineup.

“Each day has been better and better, and today I didn’t
feel it out there,” Kubel said. “I just got a couple good
pitches to hit and
didn’t miss them. I’ve missed them quite a few times but
not tonight.”

Though Kubel has 17 home runs on the year, Wednesday
marked his first multiple home run game of the season.

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