Diamondbacks Halt Skid: Cahill to the Rescue

Trevor Cahill notched his first career save in the D’backs 4-2, 12 inning win over the Dodgers. Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks stopped their longer-than-it-seemed six game losing streak last night in the most improbable of fashions. In the end, it was perhaps the most-maligned member of this ballclub, Trevor Cahill, that rode to the rescue to pick up his first career save.

The D’backs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 in 12 innings in LA to get their seven game road trip off on a positive note. Wade Miley and Zack Greinke each got through five scoreless frames before the teams solo home runs in the sixth inning. Miguel Montero went deep for Arizona while Scott Van Slyke, a D’back killer all year, answered in the bottom of the inning. In the ninth, the Snakes scored a run in a manner that it seemed would have the roles reversed. Miggy led off with a walk and was taken out in favor of Tony Campana. On the first pitch, the speedy Campana stole second and then was advanced to third on a ground ball to second by the returning Cody Ross. Martin Prado was up next and after starting 2-0, the Dodgers decided to walk him. However, Chris Withrow sailed the ball over catcher Tim Federowicz allowing Campana to score and give the D’backs the lead. Unfortunately, Addison Reed gave it right back by allowing a solo home run to Juan Uribe. At this point, we all thought it was another gut-wrenching loss.

Think again. In the top of the 12th, A.J. Pollock smacked a double off Chris Perez bringing up Cliff Pennington who was promptly hit by a pitch. Gerardo Parra, 3 for 5 on the night, sacrificed to move the runners to second and third. Up stepped Aaron Hill who was 0 for 5 thus far. The struggling Hill lined a two-run single putting the D’backs ahead 4-2. In from the bullpen came the troubled Cahill who was demoted earlier in the week. For sure you thought this game was still lost. Instead, Cahill pitched a drama-free bottom of the 12th for a desperately needed victory. Of all the guys on the team that had to have this win, Trevor was the one who needed it most. Good for him.

Game 2 is today at 5:30 PM MST. Michael Bolsinger gets his first Major League start against ex-D’back Dan Haren.

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