Dbacks Pull Through With 9th Inning Magic

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The Dbacks appeared to be destined to lose another game in Colorado, effectively dropping the series. The Rockies even struck in their trademark 5th inning to pull themselves away. However, on this night the resiliency of the Dbacks prevailed. An absolute offensive clinic in the top of the 9th sealed an 8-7 victory for the good guys.

Colorado’s offense got started immediately. After a single to start off the game followed by an errant pickoff throw, the Rockies were in the driving seat. DJ LeMahieu‘s fielder choice (Salty misplayed Ahmed’s throw at home) drove in the first run, while Troy Tulowitzki‘s RBI single helped Colorado jump to a 2-0 lead. The following inning, Nick Hundley continued Colorado’s homerun rampage to extend the lead to 3-0.

It wasn’t until the 4th inning that the Dbacks could finally make some noise. Back-to-back-to-back doubles by Yasmany Tomas, Jake Lamb and Chris Owings cut down the deficit to one. Later in the inning, Nick Ahmed‘s RBI single tied the game back at 3. The following inning, Paul Goldschmidt smacked his 20th homerun of the season, a two run shot that gave the Dbacks a (brief) 5-3 lead.

In the home edition of the 5th inning, the Rockies retook the lead. Charlie Blackmon singled to start it off and stole 2nd and 3rd base. Nolan Arenado and Wilin Rosario each produced RBI singles to tie the game back up at 5. A bases loaded walk and a fielders choice brought in a couple more runs for the Rockies in that deadly 5th inning. Remember, Colorado scored 6 runs in the 5th inning last night. The score remained 7-5 until the 9th.

Jun 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (13) is unable field a ground ball back to first base in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In the 9th inning, Arizona made things interesting. David Peralta started the inning with a single and after a walk to Goldy, Tomas drove in Peralta with a single of his own. Lamb’s single loaded up the bases with no out and only one run away from a tie game. Colorado closer John Axford and Jarrod Saltalamacchia battled with a full count until Salty worked a walk to tie the game at 7. Aaron Hill‘s sac-fly gave the Dbacks a 8-7 lead.

In the bottom of the 9th, Brad Ziegler shut things down and collected his 11th save of the season. Daniel Hudson (2-2) pitched a scoreless inning of relief and picked up a victory. Axford (1-1) was tagged with a blown save and defeat.

After two sub par performances, neither starter would survive the 5th inning or factor in the decision. Allen Webster went 4.1 innings and surrendered 5 runs (3 earned) while allowing 6 hits. David Hale went 4.2 innings and allowed 5 runs with 8 hits.

Players of the Game

Yasmany Tomas (ARI) 4-for-5, 2 R, 2B, RBI

Paul Goldschmidt (ARI) 1-for-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI

Nick Ahmed (ARI) 2-for-3, RBI

Arizona (35-36) and Colorado (31-40) will wrap up their series on Thursday afternoon.

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