Arizona Diamondbacks: Nine extra-base hits ignite offense
By Mark Brown
David Peralta’s four doubles set an Arizona Diamondbacks franchise mark for most doubles in one game.
The Arizona Diamondbacks may not among the National League leaders in home runs, but their blasts seem to come at opportune times. Plus, they appear to pick their spots to cause optimum damage with a barrage of extra-base hits..
Take Saturday, for example.
Down in the opening inning, back-to-back home runs, for the second time this season, was the catalyst for the latest heroics. In the opening frame, Jake Lamb delivered a two-run shot and another two-run shot from Chris Herrmann in the fourth inning powered an 11-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers before 36,294 in Chase Field. Sandwiched between was a pair of blasts from Yasmany Tomas, who finished with three RBIs on the right.
Lamb and Tomas hit back-to-backers in the opening inning and that followed consecutive blasts from David Peralta and Paul Goldschmidt against the San Francisco Giants on April 6.
Not lost in the offensive bombardment was four doubles from Peralta, who set a franchise mark with most doubles in one game. More important, the Diamondbacks continue to lead the National League in runs scored.
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The victory pushed the Diamondbacks’ home record to 8-1 and that’s a club mark to start a season. This win was also their ninth, come-from-behind victory and that’s tops the majors. The 11 runs scored represented the eighth time the Diamondbacks scored five or more runs in their 19 games to date. It is also the fifth time they score nine or more runs.
Afterward, manager Torey Lovullo told Venom Strikes reasons are plentiful for success.
"This is a very special group who come prepared and who are united. These players earn each victory and they are able to take care of each moment."
If there is one characteristic in the early going, this seems to be camaraderie. The Diamondbacks clubhouse seems alive with energy and Lovullo has allowed players to bring their children in the clubhouse after games and turn on the beer tap. Those were areas which previous manager Chip Hale did not allow. Now with Lovullo and his relaxed but clearly professional relationship with each player, there is a strong difference from the atmosphere of last season.
That sense of community has been clearly displayed in the opening weeks and on display against Saturday.
Behind in this one after Kiki Hernandez’s lead-off homer against starter Robbie Ray to start the game, the Diamondbacks quickly responded. Lamb ‘s two-run shot in the bottom of the first pushed his team into a lead they did not relinquish. After his fourth homer of the season sent the Dodgers back on their heels, Lamb told Venom Strikes that this version of the Diamondbacks could be special.
"We’re playing winning baseball and it’s about hitting, defense and pitching. We link at-bats together and each guy who comes to the plate is unselfish. This is not about me, it’s about the next guy."
The win Saturday was powered by nine extra-base hits of the 14 banged out by the Diamondbacks. Aside from Peralta record-breaking night, A. J. Pollock added a two-bagger and the four home runs. Peralta also scored a game-high three runs and Tomas engineered his eighth, career multi-home run game.
Next
On Sunday, the Diamondbacks go for their second sweep of the season. That’s when the Dodgers’ series concludes. Previously, the Diamondbacks swept the Cleveland Indians during the opening weekend of the season.
In the series finale, look for right-hander Shelby Miller (2-1, 3.50 ERA) to oppose former Diamondback righty Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 2.12).
"Arizona Diamondbacks: Lovullo likes the schedule as constructed"
The Dodgers are followed in by the San Diego Padres for four and the Colorado Rockies for a three-game set next weekend.