D-backs Take Game One in Cincinnati, 5-3

After a dismal start to the second half of the season in Chicago, the Arizona Diamondbacks (43-46) responded in a big way by taking the first game of a three game series against the Cincinatti Reds (50-39), 5-3.

The snakes got off to a quick start in the top of the first inning when Miguel Montero doubled to deep left field with the bases loaded, scoring Stephen Drew, Willie Bloomquist, and Aaron Hill, and putting the D-backs up 3-0. Montero would score on an RBI single by Justin Upton, extending the lead to 4-0.

The Reds would respond in the bottom of half of the inning when Brandon Phillips doubled to deep center field, scoring Todd Frazier, and cutting the lead to 4-1.

The lead would be cut to 4-3 in the bottom of the second inning when Drew Stubbs singled to lef-center field, scoring Chris Heisey and Ryan Hanigan.

Montero would add to his big night at the plate with a solo home run in the top of the third inning, extending the lead to 5-3.

Fortunately for the D-backs, that would be all the offense they needed, as All-Star pitcher Wade Miley took the mound for the D-backs, pitching 5.2 strong innings, and limiting the Reds to eight hits and three earned runs, earning his 10th victory of the season.

Arizona’s bullpen would come in and shut the door, providing three innings of scoreless relief, while only giving up one hit. JJ Putz would close the door for the snakes, earning his 17th save of the season.

With the victory, Arizona ended it’s three-game losing streak to start the second half of the season. Trevor Bauer will take the mound tomorrow for the D-backs in the second game of the series.