The Arizona Diamondbacks split this week's games right down the middle, but there were definitely some encouraging signs to be found. All three wins demonstrated some regained mojo in their pitching, with Daniel Hudson pitching well in his second start back from the disabled list, ace Ian Kennedy pitching awfully ace-like against the San Francisco Giants, and Trevor Cahill getting only the second complete game shutout of his career.
On the offensive side of things, the team did a bit better, nabbing 4.7 runs a game in their victories. Paul Goldschmidt continued to improve with the bat and led the D-backs to wins against the Giants and San Diego Padres. His power hitting was sorely needed, and he actually provided almost all of the long balls for the week.
As a result of their performances, Paul Goldschmidt and Trevor Cahill get the honors as Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
Goldie extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games, a streak that included three home runs (one of them against Tim Lincecum, of course, whom Goldschmidt continues to own). Overall, the first-baseman batted .454 for the week, with only two strikeouts. At a time when hitting stalwarts Justin Upton and Chris Young continue to struggle, Golie's golden streak has been a necessity.
Trevor Cahill could have very well lost this award to Ian Kennedy and it would have been forgivable. Kennedy finally showed some ace stuff again, getting his first win in six starts against the rival Giants. But, Cahill was in a slump of his own and busted it with a beauty, going for the complete game and shutting out the Padres. He drew four double-plays and his infielders did him a favor with one of the D-backs' best defensive performances of the season. It was the type of start Arizona dreamed of when trading away top prospect Jerrod Parker in the offseason.
For those keeping track at home:
Player of the Week awards:
Parra (1), Kubel (1), Roberts (1), Goldschmidt (2), Bloomquist (1), Montero (1)
Pitcher of the Week awards:
Saunders (1), Cahill (2), Corbin (1), Miley (3)