In an expected battle of two struggling offenses between the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona put up six runs in the first two innings en route to a 9-5 victory in Phoenix. The D-backs offense was led by three hits each by John McDonald and Jason Kubel, who also drove in two runs, while Justin Upton homered for the first time all season.
The Diamondbacks busted the door open early, sending nine men to the plate and putting four runs on the board for Miley. Gerardo Parra doubled to left and then Aaron Hill hit what was originally ruled a home run. It was reviewed and found to be a double. Hill stole third and Justin Upton drove in his first run of the season with a sacrifice fly.
Miguel Montero was hit by a pitch, Jason Kubel doubled him home, and an out and a walk later, John McDonald singled home Kubel. Wade Miley singled to right, but the inning was ended when third base coach Matt Williams sent Lyle Overbay home on the play and he was thrown out by several feet.
The D-backs added another two runs in the second inning on a bases loaded double by Cody Ransom, who was put in the starting lineup instead of Ryan Roberts because he had been hitting well. That decision paid off for Kirk Gibson.
In the fourth inning, Upton and Kubel both homered. It was Upton's first of the season -- he did not even homer in spring training.
The story of the night, though, was Miley. He mowed through a depleted Philadelphia lineup. In six innings, he gave up only two hits and a walk. he struck out seven and only needed 81 pitches.
Arizona added a run in the seventh inning on a Gerardo Parra sacrifice fly, scoring John McDonald.
Brad Zeigler, recently called up Jonathan Albaladejo, Joe Paterson and Craig Breslow combined to finish off the victory. Paterson allowed five runs in the ninth without retiring a hitter.
Miley improved to 2-0 on the season and the D-backs won their second straight, improving to 9-8. Philadelphia starter Kyle Kendrick, who allowed seven runs in three plus innings, took the loss, falling to 0-1.
The two teams face again Tuesday night at 6:40 PM Arizona time.
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