Grit Index: D-backs use 9 runs to keep Dodgers from clinching NL West

The Arizona Diamondbacks prevented the Los Angeles Dodgers from clinching the division and celebrating on their home field by earning a 9-4 win on Wednesday night at Chase Field.

Arizona got out to an early 4-0 lead and they were able to hang on but not without some pressure from LA.

Once again it was Paul Goldschmidt with the clutch hit in the first, a two-run homer, to put Arizona on the board first. Goldy battled in a 10-pitch at-bat, once down 0-2 in the count, before launching the homer into the pool area in left-center field.

In the third, they tacked on another two runs and came one hitter shy of batting around the order.

The D-backs were unable to scrape a run across from the fourth to the seventh innings despite having several opportunities with men on base.

But the floodgates opened in the eighth.

They scored five runs, batted around the order and put the Dodgers away for good with Brad Ziegler closing out the game in the ninth, despite allowing a solo home run to Tim Federowicz.

D-backs’ starter Brandon McCarthy was solid for the most part. He lasted six innings, gave up ten hits and three earned runs as well as a solo home run to Yasiel Puig in the fourth. He also recorded three strikeouts and no walks.

Dodgers’ starter Stephen Fife, who was starting in place of Clayton Kershaw, meanwhile, was ineffective. He pitched just 2.1 innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits and giving up one home run while walking three in the loss.

The Good:

The Diamondbacks are now 4-2 in their last six games and 11-7 in their last 18 home games. With the win on Wednesday night they won their third straight season series against the Dodgers for the second time in club history. They also did it from 1999-2001.

The Bad:

Although it was nice that the Diamondbacks generated some offense with 12 hits on the night, it was not good that they left 14 runners stranded. Overall they were 4-for-16 with runners in scoring position.

Noted:

-Starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy is now 3-1 with a 2.50 ERA, with one walk and 18 strikeouts in his last five starts. Over those five starts he faced 142 batters

-Reliever David Hernandez has now recorded eight straight scoreless appearances since his recall from Triple-A Reno on September 1st.

-The D-backs five-run eighth inning was the largest against the Dodgers since July 6th, 2012.

-Paul Goldschmidt hit his 34th home run of the season and tied Steve Finley for seventh place on the club’s single-season, all-time list.

He Said It:

“You know we were on ESPN tonight and I wanted Goldy to have a good game, selfishly. You know they’re talking about other very good candidates. We’re certainly biased here. He proves it day in and day out. He’s everything you could want. He’s certainly deserving of the most valuable player.” -Manager Kirk Gibson on the play of Paul Goldschmidt

Up Next:

The Diamondbacks play the Dodgers in the finale of this four game series against the Dodgers in a matinee on Thursday at Chase Field. Wade Miley will get the start for Arizona and Ricky Nolasco will go for Los Angeles. Miley is looking for his eleventh win of the season (10-10) and currently owns a 3.70 ERA. The lefty has a 1-0 record with a 3.29 ERA in two starts against the Dodgers this season.

Nolasco is 13-10 on the season for Los Angeles and has a 3.36 ERA. This will be his 14th start as a Dodger. He was acquired by LA on July 6th.

First pitch on Thursday is at 12:40pm on Arizona Sports 620 AM.

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