The Arizona Diamondbacks finally found the long-ball they so desperately need to generate runs. It was Gerardo Parra's career-first grand slam in the second inning that broke this game open and gave the D-backs their first win over the Atlanta Braves and ended a five-game skid with a 6-4 win.
Parra's shot to deep right field came after Braves starter Randall Delgado gave up a big two-out rally started a Jason Kubel single, a Cody Ransom double and then an intentional walk to John McDonald with the bases loaded. Delgado then walked Ian Kennedy to plate one run and after falling behind Parra, gave up the four-run blast.
The D-backs added an insurance run in the seventh when an RBI double from Aaron Hill plated Parra who had singled and stolen second base.
Kennedy wasn't "lights out" but against a hot-hitting Braves lineup, he'll take seven inning pitched with nine scattered hits, three runs, five strikeouts and just two walks. Not giving up the free bases was key for Kennedy surviving the Braves bats.
"They've been hitting the ball really good. I think they're probably one of the hottest-hitting offenses in the league," Kennedy said. "You don't like getting swept. Have a win at the end of the weekend and come back (Monday)."
David Hernandez and J.J. Putz closed out the eighth and ninth innings although Putz did give up a solo home run to big Juan Francisco.
The D-backs pitchers were helped by several spectacular defensive plays behind him from both Aaron Hill at second and John McDonald at short.
The offensive star was obviously Parra with four RBI, a home run a single, a stolen base and two runs scored. Justin Upton went 0-2 in his second game back but was on base twice with a walk and hit by pitch (left hand). Jason Kubel continues to hit well. He had two singles and a walk.
The D-backs finish the four game series with the Braves with just this one win. They open up against the struggling Phllies (7-9) who, unlike the Braves, aren't hitting the ball well. LHP Wade Miley will get his first start of the season after going 4-2 last year. He's starting in place of the injured Daniel Hudson who's on the DL with a shoulder injury.
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