The Arizona Diamondbacks won seven games straight, lost six games straight and now have won six games straight and are still going. Crazy, huh. Anyway you slice it, the 6-1 domination of the San Diego Padres earned the series sweep and another win which puts them another win closer to the NL West pennant.
Ian Kennedy did his part with seven strong innings with just one Orlando Hudson solo home run allowed. He punched out seven and walked no one. No one gets on for free with IPK. Kennedy also earned his NL-best 17th win (If things like "winning" are important to you.)
Kennedy's performance was even more impressive considering the tight strike zone that both pitchers faced in this game. To get seven strikeouts and no walks with a small zone is a testament to Kennedy's control. He said his change-up got better as the game went on which helped as well.
Offensively, it was a good day for the light weights to go yard. Orlando Hudson (2B) hit just his fourth home run of the season which was followed by Collin Cowgill's MLB career-first jack which preceded Aaron Hill's two-run bomb, his first as a Diamondback and seventh on the season.
The power guys (not that the Padres have any of those) were kept in check.
Brian Shaw pitched a solid eighth inning of relief in place of David Hernandez who took a line drive off the ankle on Saturday. He said before the game he could go if needed but it looks like a 3-1 lead in the eighth wasn't a place he was needed. Shaw gave up a lead-off hit but bore down and got a strike out, a pop fly and a 4-3 groundout to end the inning.
The D-backs added three more runs in the bottom of the eighth off a series of hits, walks, a double, an RBI walk, and some other crazy stuff. At the end of the inning, the Snakes were up 6-1 which put Putz on the bench and brought in Zach Duke to finish it up.
Young Collin Cowgill was the hitting hero of the day with a career-high four hits including a home run, a double and two singles. He ended up with two RBI on his great day.
"Not only was it a great day but we got the sweep and keep on winning. That's the goal right now is to do whatever I can do is obviously going to help us in the end," Cowgill said.
Gibson credited Cowgill's big day with "freeing up his mind" and continuing to work. He had gotten away from who he was but in this game didn't try and do too much and the results were obvious. Gibby seems very happy with the defense he's getting from all four of his outfielders. Consistent offense from either Parra or Cowgill in left would be a big bonus.
Aaron Hill did pretty well as well. He was a double away from the cycle and drove in three runs. "It's been fun so far and I look forward to a few more months," Hill said.
The Giants could only manage a 2-2 split at home with the Houston Astros. They're loss Sunday gives the D-backs a four-game lead in the NL West. The D-backs open a three-game home stand against the Rookies on Monday.
For more on this game visit AZ Snake Pit.