Game Recap: D-Backs’ Offense Erupts, Beat Cubs

Jul 23, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Martin Prado (14) hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

After scoring a total of eight runs throughout the first four games since the All-Star Break, the Arizona Diamondbacks had the offensive explosion they were looking for on Tuesday night, scoring ten runs in a 10-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. This was a much-needed win for the D-Backs, who maintained their 1/2 game deficit in the National League West, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers who have now won five straight.

Patrick Corbin (12-1) and Travis Wood (6-7), both All-Stars were on the mound for their respective teams, and both pitched well. Yet, it was Corbin who outlasted his counterpart. The left-hander got through six innings of work, allowing four hits and just one earned run on six strikeouts and three walks. Wood pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two walks and two strikeouts while surrendering eight hits and four earned runs.

The real story of the night, however, was Arizona’s offense that pounded the Cubs pitching for fourteen hits and ten runs, including three straight three-run innings in the sixth, seventh and eighth.

Jul 23, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Patrick Corbin (46) throws during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Corbin allowed the first run of the game, giving up an RBI single to Anthony Rizzo in the third inning, which scored Wood. The Diamondbacks struck back, and in the fifth inning tied the game off of Martin Prado‘s solo home run. Little did anyone know, his team was just getting started.

After an eight-batter inning in the bottom of the sixth, the Snakes led 4-1. A.J. Pollock ripped an RBI double, scoring Adam Eaton. Two batters later, Eric Chavez stepped up to the plate and slugged a triple, scoring Pollock. After Prado walked, Wil Nieves lined a single to left field, which drove in Chavez.

The next two innings proved to be just as successful for the D-Backs, scoring three runs in each and taking a 10-3 lead into the ninth inning before eventually earning their 52nd win of the year. Eaton finished 3-for-4, Pollock finished 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs and Chavez went 2-for-4, while driving in three runs.

The Diamondbacks, who surrendered first place in the N.L. West just a day earlier, will use Tuesday night’s big win both as a confidence booster for the struggling offense and to make sure the team keeps themselves in a position for a postseason berth.

Arizona will look to win two straight on Wednesday night, when they send Ian Kennedy (3-7, 5.29 ERA) to the hill. Check out our series preview here.