Joe Saunders picked up his first victory since May 23rd on Sunday afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

The D-backs opened the game with a big three-run first inning. With one out, Chris Young and Justin Upton began the rally with back-to-back singles. After a walk to Paul Goldschmidt, Young scored on an infield error by Cliff Pennington. Upton and Goldschmidt were able to score on an two run RBI single by Aaron Hill.

Oakland added a couple runs in the fourth inning, when Brandon Inge brought home Jonny Gomes on an RBI double, followed by an RBI single by Josh Donaldson.

Jason Kubel continued his hot streak at the plate with an RBI single in the fifth inning, giving the D-backs a little breathing room with a 4-2 lead. However, the A’s would respond in the top of the seventh inning with an RBI single by Seth Smith.

The late run wouldn’t be enough for the bay area visitors as JJ Putz came in and closed the door for his 13th save of the season.

Joe Saunders threw six solid innings, giving up seven hits and only one earned run. It was his fourth win of the season and first since May 23rd. Bryan Shaw and David Hernandez each threw an inning of relief, with Putz coming in the ninth for the save. With the win, the team finished the homestand 5-1, with much needed momentum as the team begins a road trip through the AL West this week.

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Daniel Hudson took the mound for Arizona and put up what could easily be considered his worst start of the season, allowing 8 hits and 6 earned runs in only 1 2/3 innings. Josh Collmenter provided great relief, and was able to weather the storm by giving up only 3 hits over 3 1/3 innings, without allowing a run to score.

However, the story of the night was definitely the offense, and boy was there offense.

Jun. 8, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE=

After falling behind 6-0 in the top of the 2nd, the boys were able to cut the lead to 6-3 in the bottom half of the inning thanks to an RBI single by Willie Bloomquist, followed by a 2 run homer by Jason Kubel. They added another run in the 5th with a solo homer by Paul Goldschmidt, who has been white hot over the past four weeks.

Oakland was able to tack on a couple more runs in the 6th with a two run homer by Seth Smith, but the D-backs came back in the bottom of the inning as Justin Upton hit a frozen rope into center field to drive in Kubel from second and cut the lead to 8-6.

This set the stage for the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and closer Brian Fuentes on the mound, Chris Young drew a walk and Aaron Hill followed with a single. As Ryan Roberts approached the batters box, I have to admit, flashbacks of his walk off grand slam last September crossed my mind. On a 2-1 count, Roberts took a 91 MPH fastball to the left-center field bleachers, completing the comeback.

Overall it was a really fun game to watch. Granted I would love to see a little more consistency from our starters, I was very happy with the way the bullpen was able to keep the game close throughout the game. Collmenter was locating his pitches very well and JJ Putz threw some of the best split fingered fastballs that I have seen from him all season. Great way to start the weekend series.