Zach duke broke out of his recent slump, going seven innings while allowing two earned runs and only five hits, and the Arizona Diamondbacks ensured a series victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and stayed within striking distance of the San Francisco Giants.
The D-backs relievers made things a little interesting in the eighth and ninth innings, however. With a six-run lead, Aaron Heilman and new call-up Alberto Castillo were hit three times, including a solo home run by Corey Hart in the bottom of the eighth. Castillo was relieved by David Hernandez in the bottom of the ninth and he quickly put the drama to rest.
Brewers starter Randy Wolf lasted six innings, but was scored on seven times, including a homer from Justin Upton — freshly snubbed from the Home Run Derby, and by Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder, no less – and a two-run yarder from Gerardo Parra.
The win was only Duke’s second in 12 starts this season, though his seven innings was his longest stint since June 8.