D-backs Take First Game From Cubs, Win 6-1

The Arizona Diamondbacks (35-35) won the first game of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago Cubs (24-46).

The Cubs struck first in the top of the fourth when Geovany Soto hit a solo home run to center field, putting the visitors up 1-0.

Jason Kubel responded in the bottom half of the inning with a two-run home run to left field, scoring Justin Upton and putting the team on top 2-1.

The snakes would add another run in the next inning when Aaron Hill continued his hot streak at the plate with an RBI single to right field. Miguel Montero would plate a couple runs in the bottom of the sixth inning with a triple to deep right field, scoring Kubel and Paul Goldschmidt.

The team would tack on one more run in the bottom of the seventh inning on an RBI ground rule double to deep right center by Upton.

Josh Collmenter did a fantastic job in a spot start, as he collected six strike outs, only allowed three hits and one run in four innings. The team received five fantastic innings of relief from the bullpen, which held the cubs lineup scoreless. The Cubs left 11 runners on board throughout the game.

Joe Saunders did not make his scheduled start as he headed to the locker room during his warmup. There has been no indication from the team regarding the severity of his injury.

With the win, the D-backs put themselves back at .500 (35-35) and have an opportunity to gain ground on both the division leading Dodgers (42-28) and Giants (38-32), as both teams were losing late in both of their games at the time the snakes ended things agains the Cubs in Phoenix.

On a special note, Brad Ziegler and David Hernandez collected their first career hit in the victory. Ian Kennedy will take the mound in game two tomorrow night, which just so happens to be his own bobble head night.