Cody Ross Comes Through In The Clutch Once Again

Apr 25, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder

(7) reacts while at bat against the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 3-2. Image: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks once again needed extra innings to win another game on the season, and this is becoming a recurring theme with Arizona this season, as they won 3-2 in ten innings.

The Diamondbacks had Wade Miley on the mound Saturday night  in search of third win of the season, but Miley had command issues from the first batter he faced. Miley would end up walking four batters in the first inning, but he managed to escape due to a double play and a strike out. Miley lasted 4.1 innings, gave up four hits, and walked seven batters.The most important number from Miley’s performance is no runs allowed.

Arizona got the offense rolling in the first on a HR by A.J. Pollock, and a triple coming off the bat of Cody Ross. Colorado Rockies starter Jeff Francis did a good job of settling down after the initial inning.The Diamondbacks once again struggled with men on base, as they went 0-5 with runners in scoring position. Francis pitched five innings, giving up four hits, two earned runs, and walked one batter.

The Rockies did not score until the sixth inning when Troy Tulowitzki singled in their first run. Then Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario hit a laser shot to left field off Brad Ziegler that tied the game 2-2 in the seventh inning.The Rockies had a chance in the eighth inning with two men on base, but Michael Cuddyer was picked off second base by Miguel Montero.

The Rockies ran themselves out of the inning when Rosario misread a liner  from Josh Rutledge and he was doubled off second. The Rockies also struggled with runners in scoring position going 1-9.

The Diamondbacks bullpen did their job after Miley exited the game early, as indicated by them throwing 5.2 innings, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and walking no one.

This set-up the dramatics in the tenth inning for Arizona. Pollock started the inning off with a single, and then used his speed to his advantage. Pollock stole second base, then he advanced to third due to a throwing error by Rosario.

Then the Rockies walked Montero, which brought up Ross to face Edgmer Escalona. Ross jumped on the second pitch that he saw, and hit a towering sacrifice fly to end the ball game.

Arizona is now 6-0 in extra inning games this season, but I would like to see them win some games without needing extra innings. Patrick Corbin is set to pitch in finale of the series, and with a win would put them in a tie for first in the division.