The improved pitching of the Arizona Diamondbacks came through once again, as Ian Kennedy (6-1) went eight solid innings and closer J.J. Putz snagged his fourteenth save in fourteen opportunities for a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The win pushed the D-backs over .500 and into second in the National League West.
The duo continued to make an argument for being voted into the MLB All-Star game, which will be held at Chase Field in Arizona this year. Kennedy has consistently pitched well since the birth of his daughter on April 24th, and Putz has yet to blow a save.
Though it was not needed, Arizona's offense was still somewhat absent. Justin Upton and Chris Young provided the only RBIs on seven hits, and both came in the sixth inning. Young also provided a heroic catch in the eighth that eliminated a potential game-tying homer from Ty Wigginton.
Arizona's eighth win in their last nine games led the team over .500 for only the second time this season. It is also the first time the team has been over .500 in the month of May since the 2008 season.
The Rockies' one run came on a sacrifice fly from Todd Helton. Colorado was Arizona's direct competition for second in the division, behind the San Francisco Giants, and the loss pushed them to third.
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