Three-Run Fifth Propels D-backs, Win 5-3

The Arizona Diamondbacks (41-43) were able to put together a strong, three-run fifth inning to overcome an early deficit, and beat the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers (47-39) 5-3.

The D-backs found themselves in an early hole in the top of the first inning when Jerry Hairston Jr. put the Dodgers on the board with a two-run home run to left field.

The snakes would be kept in check by Dodger starter Chad Billingsley through the first four innings until Gerardo Parra doubled to deep left field, scoring Miguel Montero and Geoff Blum, and tying the score up at 2-2. They would add another run and take the lead 3-2 when Parra scored on a sacrifice fly by Stephen Drew.

Paul Goldschmidt would continue his hot streak at the plate, hitting a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth inning, and scoring Justin Upton to extend Arizona’a lead 4-2.

A.J. Ellis would cut the lead to 4-3 on a solo home run to left field in the top of the seventh inning.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers, Jason Kubel would continue his amazing offensive display this season with a solo home run to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning, and padding Arizona’s lead at 5-3.

JJ Putz would come into the game in the bottom of the ninth inning to shut the door for the Diamondbacks and earn his 16th save of the season.

Trevor Cahill would pick up his seventh win of the season by only giving up six hits and three earned runs over seven strong innings. David Hernandez pitched a scoreless eighth inning, earning his twelfth hold of the season.

With the victory, the Diamondbacks were able to pick up another game on the division-leading Dodgers, cutting their lead to five games. Arizona rookie Trevor Bauer will take the mound tomorrow in the series finally.