The Arizona Diamondbacks showed all their stuff today. Decent, but not great start from Ian Kennedy, good power from a couple of the young guys expected to deliver, shaky glove work, and a scary but ultimately effective five scoreless innings from the bullpen.
Kennedy went six innings in his career-first Opening Day start, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits. He certainly wasn't brilliant but was good enough to beat the Rockies' ace, Ubaldo Jimenez. The D-backs drove in six runs off the brilliant young hurler, led by Justin Upton's three-run bomb and a two-run blast from Miguel Montero.
Montero was well on his way to being the hero before botching a throw in the seventh inning that ultimately cost two unearned runs and tied the game. Juan Gutierrez, Aaron Hielman, David Hernandez, Sam Demel and closer J.J. Putz combined for seven hits and no runs over five innings of work from the pen. How's that for a turnaround from last season?
The Snakes won the game in the 11th inning off a miscue from the Rockies. Gerardo Parra leadoff with a double and then advanced to third off a productive out from Willie Bloomquist. Colorado reliever Matt Lindstrom loosed a wild pitch allowing Parra to score. Putz closed out the bottom of the inning with a two-strike out, three batter inning.
For more on the game be sure to visit AZ Snakepit for all the details of this glorious win.