Game Recap: D-Backs Rally Late, But Lose In Extras

Jul 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Cody Ross (7) hits an RBI sacrifice fly and ties the game in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks lost once again on Wednesday night, dropping to 52-49 on the season and falling 1 1/2 games out first place, after another Los Angeles Dodgers victory.

The D-Backs are now 2-4 since the All-Star break, while the Dodgers have yet to lose and are on a six game winning streak. Wednesday’s defeat, however, will be significantly more challenging for the team to overcome, having rallied late to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth before eventually losing in twelve innings, 7-6, to the Chicago Cubs (45-54).

Ian Kennedy struggled, allowing six runs (two earned) and six hits over five innings, while striking out seven and walking two. The bullpen was rock solid for six consecutive innings after Kennedy’s departure, though, not allowing a run until the twelfth inning game-winner – an RBI double off the bat of Nate Schierholtz.

Jul 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Gerardo Parra (8) celebrates after hitting a single in the sixth inning during a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Trailing throughout most of the game, Arizona had to rally to force extras. Heading into the sixth inning, they were down 6-2. Yet with two outs, All-Star Paul Goldschmidt drilled a three-run home run to to left field, cutting the lead to one run.

The Cubs, who scored two runs in the fourth inning and another four runs in the fifth inning, brought a one run lead into the ninth. With his team facing defeat, Cody Ross hit a sacrifice fly to left field, which scored Paul Goldschmidt and knotted the game up, 6-6.

While getting runners in scoring position in both the tenth and eleventh innings, the D-Backs were unable to capitalize and dropped the third game of the series. David Hernandez (4-6) suffered the loss.

With all the disappointment, however, the Arizona offense has finally started to come alive. Wil Nieves picked up three hits, while Gerardo Parra, Eric Chavez and Martin Prado all added two. Goldschmidt drove in three runs on his one hit of the night, a home run – his first since the All-Star break.

The Cubs and D-Backs will be back at it on Thursday night in the rubber game of this four-game series. Wade Miley (6-8, 4.03 ERA) will be on the mound for Arizona. Check out our series preview here.