Game Recap: D-Backs Beat Dodgers, Win Third Straight

Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Essentially everyone has written off the Arizona Diamondbacks when talking about potential playoff teams, except maybe, the Diamondbacks themselves. After Monday night’s 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the D-Backs pulled within 9 1/2 games of their division rivals for first place in the National League West and remained 8 games back of the Cincinnati Reds after they beat the lowly Houston Astros.

After an A.J. Pollock walk to lead off the bottom of the first, Willie Bloomquist flied out which then brought Paul Goldschmidt to the plate. Goldy took Hyun-Jin Ryu deep for his 33rd home run of the season, giving his team a 2-0 lead in the process.

Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Cahill, who allowed a leadoff single to Nick Punto in the top of the first, did not allow another hit until the sixth inning. The 25-year-old, however, seemed as though he ran out of gas in that frame. Ryu walked to leadoff the inning, followed by a Punto double and then a walk to Mark Ellis. This loaded the bases for Adrian Gonzalez, who struck out. The next batter to step into the batter’s box was Yasiel Puig, who walked and gave the Dodgers their first run of the game.

With the bases still loaded and just one out, skipper Kirk Gibson decided to pull Cahill from the game and bring in reliable reliever Josh Collmenter. The 27-year-old got A.J. Ellis to strike out swinging and then Skip Schumaker to ground out, ending the threat.

Brad Ziegler pitched the ninth inning, securing the win for Arizona and earning his 11th save of the year.

The Snakes continue their four game series with the Dodgers tomorrow.