Gerardo Parra provided the only offense in the D’backs’ 3-2, 12 inning loss to the Cardinals. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
After 16 innings of futility, the Arizona Diamondbacks had finally scored some runs. They actually took a lead against the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, it was-short lived as the Cards first tied the game in the eighth and then finally won it in 12 innings by a score of 3-2.
St. Louis got it’s second consecutive dominating performance by a pitcher, this one by Michael Wacha. The young righty gave up only two hits in only six innings of work. Brandon McCarthy pitched well again, allowing a run in his six inning stint, giving up seven hits. You knew that if the D’backs could get into that Cardinals’ bullpen, as good as those arms are, something could happen. It did because in the eighth inning, Gerardo Parra lined a two-run homer off Carlos Martinez giving the Snakes their first lead of the series. The joy didn’t last long as in the bottom of the frame, Brad Ziegler came on after Joe Thatcher got the first out of the inning. Ziggy proceeded to give up a double to Yadier Molina, a single to Allen Craig and a sacrifice fly by Jon Jay to tie the game at 2.
Arizona had a chance to regain the lead in the 10th but Ender Inciarte ended the inning by getting thrown out at the plate trying to score on Paul Goldschmidt‘s double. Inciarte was stranded in the 12th when Jay robbed Parra of an extra base hit to retire the side. In the bottom of that inning, Trevor Cahill walked Matt Holiday to lead off the inning and then gave up a double to Matt Adams. Molina was intentionally walked which brought up Craig. He hit a ball to short that Chris Owings back-handed but his throw skipped passed Miguel Montero, That was your ballgame, folks.
Overshadowed in yet another tough loss was the work of Evan Marshall. After a 1-2-3 ninth inning, the rookie got out of a bases loaded, one out jam the following inning to extend the game. Marshall has not allowed a run in his first six Major League appearances, covering seven innings.
The D’backs finish up their series in St. Louis Thursday with Wade Miley scheduled to start against the Cards’ Lance Lynn. First pitch is scheduled for 4:15 PM MST.