In their 2011 Home Opener, the Diamondbacks gave their nearly fully stadium of fans a lot to cheer about in the opening innings. The Snakes put up three quick runs in the first two innings before Ian Kennedy gave one back in the third.
Hot utility man, Willie Bloomquist lead off with a double and in sign of the old-school small ball (aka Gibby Ball) was advanced by Kelly Johnson on sacrifice bunt. Justin Upton quickly drove him in with a single. After Chris advanced Upton with a ground out, Stephen Drew in his first at-bat of the season laced a double to left field to plate Upton.
In the second inning, Miguel Montero continued his six-game hitting streak with a ground rule double. After Melvin Mora's strike out, Ian Kennedy laid down a beauty of a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, Montero scored on a wild pitch which justified Gibson's decision to have Kennedy sacrifice with one out.
The Reds played a little small ball themselves in the third. Paul Janish got on with a hit and was advanced to second with a sac bunt and then to third with a single. Janish scored on a sac fly RBI from Brandon Phillips.
Very nice baseball from the home team. Let's see if Kennedy can keep Joey Votto and the Red Machine in check.