The Arizona Diamondbacks started strong and never vanquished their lead during a 4-2 win against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday. The victory evened the series 1-1 after the Athletics took Game 1 of the series on Friday night.
Joe Saunders (5-7) had a solid performance. Though he gave up eight hits, he also pitched three strikeouts and gave up only two runs in seven innings.
Chris Young was the offensive hero for the Diamondbacks as he racked up four RBIs on three hits. His single in the first inning borught Kelly Johnson home to give the Diamondbacks an early 1-0 lead. Young hit a double to bring Johnson home again in the third inning and extend the lead to 2-0. He saved his best for last, hitting a home run in the fifth to bring Justin Upton and himself back to home plate for a 4-0 lead.
The Athletics made a run in the bottom of the eighth inning when they scored two runs off of Yhency Brazoban. A scoreless ninth inning by both teams, though, sealed a 4-2 victory for the Diamondbakcs.
The series is tied 1-1 heading into Sunday's decisive Game 3.