The Arizona Diamondbacks mounted two comebacks to eventually defeat the Houston Astros 8-2, and sweep their three game series at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks offense has been running on all cylinders recently, scoring 33 runs in the series against the Astros, and a total of 46 runs over the last five games.
The Astros took an early 1-0 lead when left fielder Justin Maxwell drilled a deep home run to center field with one out in the second inning. The Diamondbacks came right back in the bottom of the second when Jason Kubel, who hit three home runs the night before, hit a solo homer off the right field foul pole, for his 21st of the season, tying the score 1-1.
The Astros regained the lead when Scott Moore and Chris Johnson hit back-to-back doubles leading off the top of the sixth inning. When batter Justin Maxwell missed on a squeeze attempt, Chris Johnson was picked off attempting to steal home, helping the Diamondbacks, and Josh Collmenter, end the inning without giving up any additional runs.
Trailing 2-1, the Diamondbacks offense caught fire in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Stephen Drew began the rally with a soft line drive single to right field. That was followed by two more singles by Aaron Hill and Jason Kubel, with his third hit of the game, to load the bases. Miguel Montero reached first on a fielder's choice throwing error by Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez, scoring two. Chris Young followed by hitting a three-run homer over the left centerfield wall to score Jason Kubel and Miguel Montero, and the rout was on. It wasn't until two hits later that the Astros finally pulled starter Jordan Lyles, who gave up ten hits and five earned runs on the day. With Wesley Wright replacing Jordan Lyles, Gerardo Parra hit a ground ball single to left, scoring Ryan Wheeler and Ryan Roberts. By the time the inning was over, the Diamondbacks sent ten batters to the plate, scored seven runs, and had an 8-2 lead heading into the seventh inning.
Mike Zagurski replaced Josh Collmenter to start the seventh inning. Collmenter pitched six complete innings, giving up six hits, two runs, one walk, and striking out four batters. Between Zagurski, Brad Bergesen, and J.J. Putz, the Diamondbacks relievers shut down the Astros in the last three innings for the win.
The Diamondbacks have now won their last six home games. They will remain at home to face the Colorado Rockies in a three game series, followed by a four game home series against the New York Mets.