Arizona Diamondbacks – Godley strong in defeating Mets

Zack Godley, right-hander for the Arizona Diamondbacks, went a career best 7.1 innings in beating the Mets

Offense may generate headlines for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but pitcher Zack Godley shared the platform with a double-digit win.

After three home runs, and two by Rickie Weeks, Jr., powered the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 13-5 victory over the New York Mets before 18,469 in Chase Field Wednesday night, Godley gave his teammates 7.1 solid innings, and that represented the longest of his major league career.

Equally important was the ability of the Arizona Diamondbacks to take two-of-three from the Mets, and capture the series. They also finished the season series by taking five of the six games played.

More from Diamondbacks News

• What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
• Former Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray wins AL CY Young!
• Bannister the bench coach, yet another great hire by the Diamondbacks
• The king of Chase Field should be signed by the Diamondbacks
• The Goat has come to the Diamondbacks to save the day

The win represented the largest margin victory for the Diamondbacks this season since a 10-2 win in Philadelphia on June 17. This was also the most runs scored in a game (13) since the Diamondbacks defeated the Phillies on August 11 of last season.

At the same time, Godley went into the eighth inning, and became one of seven active pitchers to record nine wins in their first 13 career starts. Utilizing all four of his pitches, including the fast ball, curve, sinker and slider, Godley was able to command down in the strike zone.

Manager Chip Hale usually exhibits a short leash on his starters. Telling reporters before the game, he was prepared to lift Godley at the earliest moment. Godley appeared ready to defy his manager and his pitch count was manageable. For his 7.1 innings, Godley tossed 91 pitches, and 55 for strikes. Above all, Godley had his sinker working, and the Arizona outfield did not record a pullout until half-way through the game. Here, Mets’ catcher Travis d’Arnaud flied to center with one out in the fifth.

“When I keep the ball down, I usually get the ground balls,” Godley said. “Once I can establish down in the zone, I feel pretty good about my chances.”

By the time of d’Arnaud’s fly ball, the Arizona Diamondbacks staked Godley to 3-1 lead, and the lead was powered by back-to-back home runs. First, Rickie Weeks, Jr. drilled a two-run shot in the fourth and Yasmany Tomas followed with a blast over the left field fence. After a second homer from Weeks and another pair of three-run innings, the Arizona Diamondbacks were off to one of their biggest leads of the season.

Weeks came off the bench to start in left field and delivered a 2-for-4 night, three runs scored and those two bombs which ignited the offense. In the process, Weeks recorded the eighth multi-homer game of his career, and his first since June 25, 2013 as a member of the Brewers against the Cubs. The five RBIs in this one equaled a career best.

“I just want to play,” he said in reference to his part-time role off the bench. “I show up every and ready to go. It’s tough coming in here every day because the season has not been good for us, but you have to stay positive.”

On Deck

The Arizona Diamondbacks now move on to Petco Park and engage the San Diego Padres in a four-game series.

Beginning Thursday night, it’s righty Archie Bradley (4-8, 4.91 ERA) taking on right-hander Paul Clemens (2-2, 4.73). On Friday night, look for righty Zack Greinke (11-4, 4.31) to oppose righty Jarred Cosart (0-1, 5.03). For Saturday, a pair of lefties face off. Robbie Ray (6-11, 4.47) opposes Clayton Richard (0-2, 5.75). In the finale Sunday afternoon, it’s right Braden Shipley (2-2, 4.30) taking on righty Luis Perdomo (5-7, 6.68).

Next: Burgos could be next closer

Then, it’s back to Chase Field for a seven-game home stand. This features four with the Atlanta Braves, and three with the Cincinnati Reds.