SB Nation Arizona - Trevor Cahill Spins A Gem As D-backs Defeat Rockies 5-2https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-04-15T15:58:34-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/27019772012-04-15T15:58:34-07:002012-04-15T15:58:34-07:00D-backs Battle Elements In Colorado, Defeat Rockies 5-2 Behind Trevor Cahill
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<p>Following a demoralizing loss on Saturday night in the ninth inning, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> needed to get back on track against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> on Sunday afternoon. Despite cold, windy, rainy conditions at Coors Field -- it literally looked like a rainy blizzard during the seventh inning -- the D-backs came away with a 5-2 victory behind a stellar pitching effort from <span>Trevor Cahill</span>.</p>
<p>The young lefty worked 7.1 impressive innings, allowing just one run on four hits and two walks. He struck out six Rockies hitters on the afternoon. The Diamondbacks bullpen kept things interesting late with their inability to get out of a jam in the eighth inning, but <span>Bryan Shaw</span> worked out of a bases loaded situation in the eighth before completing a perfect ninth inning.</p>
<p>Chris Young continued to hit everything in sight, belting a two-run homer in the first inning to give Arizona an early lead. Young came up big once again in the third with an RBI-single to left that scored <span>Gerardo Parra</span>. With the bases loaded, <span>Aaron Hill</span> delivered a two-out, two-run single to left to extend the lead to 5-0.</p>
<p>The D-backs will return home to warm Arizona on Monday to kick off a three-game tries with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>. <span>Joe Saunders</span> will take the mound in the first game, and he will be opposed by <span>Erik Bedard</span>. First pitch is set for 6:40 from Chase Field.</p>
<p><i>For more on the club, check out </i><a target="_blank" href="http://azsnakepit.com">AZ Snake Pit.</a></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/4/15/2950877/diamondbacks-vs-rockies-score-recap-stats-trevor-cahillScott Coleman2012-04-14T22:01:58-07:002012-04-14T22:01:58-07:00Todd Helton Walks Rockies Off With Rain-Filled 8-7 Win Over Arizona Diamondbacks
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<img alt="April 14, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Josh Collmenter (55) in the dugout during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/idO9OS-Ar5V3lm-qEa283lCpBCQ=/0x194:467x505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6497000/20120414_jel_aq2_368.jpg" />
<figcaption>April 14, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Josh Collmenter (55) in the dugout during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Arizona rallies from four runs down only to lose the game on a HR in the ninth.</p> <p>In a rain-filled contest that was started late due to rain and had a stoppage of more than an hour, <span>Josh Collmenter</span> struggled again, giving up five runs in four innings. The Diamindbacks rallied to take a 7-5 lead, but <span>Todd Helton</span> hit a two-out, two-run walkoff homer to give the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> a 8-7 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>.</p>
<p>The D-backs got on the board in the top of the first with an RBi single by Chris Young to drive in <span>Ryan Roberts</span>. </p>
<p>But Josh Collenter once again struggles with his command and gave up consecutive homeruns in the second inning, giving the Rockies a 3-1 lead. the lead would be stretched to 5-1 with singles runs scored in the third and fourth innings. </p>
<p>That is when the rain came and the game was stopped. At that point, it looked like the Dbacks would just like to pack it up. But after the delay, <span>Miguel Montero</span> got the team back in the game with a three-run homer. </p>
<p>The game was tied in the sixth, thanks to the cold and wet conditions. Gold Glove shortstop <span>Troy Tulowitzki</span> made two throwing errors in the inning, leading to a run-scoring double by <span>John McDonald</span>, which was his first hit of the season. </p>
<p><span>Justin Upton</span> led off with a single in the seventh, took third on a single by Chris Young and then scored on a sacrifice fly by pinch hitter <span>Paul Goldschmidt</span>.</p>
<p>Wade Miley was key. His three innings of scoreless relief allowed Arizona to be able to come back. </p>
<p>Against <span>David Hernandez</span> in the eighth, Colorado got a run back, and then J.J. Putz gave up a walk-off two-run homer to Todd Helton to give Colorado the win. </p>
<p><span>Gerardo Parra</span> had three hits and an RBI for Arizona, while Chris Young had himself another pair of hits and an RBI as well.</p>
<p><b><i>Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at </i></b><a href="http://azsnakepit.com/"><b><i>AZ Snakepit</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/4/14/2949498/todd-helton-walks-rockies-off-with-rain-filled-8-7-win-over-arizonaJess Root2012-04-14T14:12:47-07:002012-04-14T14:12:47-07:00D-Backs Vs. Rockies: Game 2 Lineups Released
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> play in Denver's Coors Field on Saturday evening against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> for the second game of a three-game series. They lost the first game of the series by a score of 7-6 and are looking to even things up in game two to force the rubber match on Sunday.</p>
<p>The lineups have been released and<a href="http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php"> according to the Baseball Press, they are</a>:</p>
<p>Diamondbacks:</p>
<p>1. <span>Ryan Roberts</span> (R) 3B<br>2. <span>Gerardo Parra</span> (L) LF<br>3. <span>Justin Upton</span> (R) RF<br>4. <span>Miguel Montero</span> (L) C<br>5. Chris Young (R) CF<br>6. <span>Lyle Overbay</span> (L) 1B<br>7. <span>Aaron Hill</span> (R) 2B<br>8. <span>John McDonald</span> (R) SS<br>9. <span>Josh Collmenter</span> (R) P</p>
<p>Rockies:</p>
<p>1. <span>Marco Scutaro</span> (R) 2B<br>2. <span>Dexter Fowler</span> (S) CF<br>3. <span>Troy Tulowitzki</span> (R) SS<br>4. <span>Todd Helton</span> (L) 1B<br>5. <span>Michael Cuddyer</span> (R) RF<br>6. <span>Tyler Colvin</span> (L) LF<br>7. <span>Ramon Hernandez</span> (R) C<br>8. <span>Jordan Pacheco</span> (R) 3B<br>9. <span>Jhoulys Chacin</span> (R) P</p>
<p>For more on the Diamondbacks, head to <a href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/">AZ Snake Pit</a>, for more on the Rockies, head to <a href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>, and for updates throughout the series, follow SB Nation Arizona's <a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/4/10/2937936/arizona-diamondbacks-2012-schedule-d-backs-travel-to-san-diego-and">StoryStream</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/4/14/2948855/d-backs-vs-rockies-game-2-lineups-releasedJason Garrison2012-04-14T11:57:49-07:002012-04-14T11:57:49-07:00D-backs vs. Rockies: Probable Pitchers, Game Time, TV Coverage And More
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> took a tough loss on Friday night in their series-opener with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a>, falling by a score of 7-6. Fortunately for the D-backs, they'll get yet another chance to defeat their NL West foes on Saturday night. They'll hand the ball to pitcher <span>Josh Collmenter</span>. The righty lasted just three innings in his last start against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a>.</p>
<p>As for the Rockies, they will have <span>Jhoulys Chacin</span> on the mound to start the game. The young pitcher had a fine debut season in 2011 and is capable of putting up big strikeout numbers.</p>
<p>The game is set to begin at 5:10 p.m. locally in Arizona. The game will not be telecast on FOX Sports Arizona due to a Suns game, but those with FS Arizona-Plus can find it broadcast live on Saturday evening. It will also be telecast on MLB Network, although you'll have to work around blackout restrictions to see if you qualify for the game in your neck of the woods. KTAR 92.3 FM will have your radio coverage tonight.</p>
<p><i>For more on the D-backs, be sure to check out <a href="http://azsnakepit.com" target="_blank">AZ Snake Pit</a>.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/4/14/2948574/diamondbacks-vs-rockies-scores-pitchers-start-timesScott Coleman2012-04-13T21:28:06-07:002012-04-13T21:28:06-07:00Diamondbacks Fall Short, Rockies Win 7-6
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<p>Coors Field in Denver, Colorado has a way of making starting pitchers look bad. The cool, thin air and the big outfield puts a lot of balls in play that would otherwise not be in play. Both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> starter <span>Daniel Hudson</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a> starter <span>Juan Nicasio</span> felt the sting and were back in the club house early.</p>
<p>The D-backs struck first, building a 6-2 lead through the top of the third inning that sent Nicasio to the showers with an unimpressive line of 2.2 innings with five hits, five walks and six earned runs.</p>
<p>The Rockies came right back, however, and hung some runs on Hudson and sent him to the bench with six runs, three walks, 10 hits and two homeruns allowed over 3.2 innings.</p>
<p>So, with the score tied at sixes, the respective bullpens took over the game and both did well. It wasn't until the eighth inning when <span>Todd Helton</span> drove in <span>Carlos Gonzalez</span> off D-backs reliever Bryan Shaw that the tie was broken. CarGo got on with a hit and then advanced to third when a throw over from the pitcher escaped Paul Goldschimidt. It was only Goldy's first error as a major league player.</p>
<p>Hudson will justifiably take the loss in this one. The offense did its part and the pen allowed just one run, but Huddy needed to be better and he knows it.</p>
<p>All seven games of the young season have been decided by two runs or less.</p>
<p>The D-backs have two more chances against the Rockies this weekend with <span>Josh Collmenter</span> on Saturday and <span>Trevor Cahill</span> going on Sunday. </p>
<p><i><b>For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/sbnarizona" target="_blank">@SBNArizona</a> and "Like" us </b></i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/sbnarizona"><b><i>on Facebook. </i></b></a><i><b></b></i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/4/13/2947570/diamondbacks-fall-short-rockies-win-7-6Seth Pollack2012-04-13T11:00:30-07:002012-04-13T11:00:30-07:00Chris Young Is Diamondbacks' Pleasant Offensive Surprise So Far
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<p>In this young season for the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>, centerfielder Chris Young is having himself quite the start to the season. After hitting .400 in Cactus league play with five homers, he has continued his torrid pace. After six games, he is hitting .364. Six of his eight hits have been for extra bases, including three homers and seven RBI. He has gotten a hit in each of Arizona's six games this season.</p>
<p>We have seen hot stretches for Young in the past, but he would cool off considerably. After looking so promising in so many ways when he first came up, Young has pretty much shown everyone that he is a great defensive player with great power potential, but he would never hit for average. He would pop up a lot of balls and strike out plenty as well.</p>
<p>However, he does come up big in big moments.</p>
<p>What is different this year is that he is making much better contact. In each season since 2007, he has struck out at least 130 times, including 165 in 2008.</p>
<p>While the season is young, he has struck out only four times in six games, which projects right now to just over 100 Ks on the season. He is keeping his hands up a little higher in an attempt to pop out less. It has worked so far.</p>
<p>With Young's quick start, the Diamondbacks have been able to weather the early offensive struggles of teammate and friend <span>Justin Upton</span>, who has only two hits in 15 at-bats and has not driven in a run.</p>
<p>Chris' hits have been timely. Two of his three homers gave the team the lead and his third gave them a needed insurance run in Thursday's game against the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a>.</p>
<p>At some point, Young is going to cool down. No one really thinks he is going to hit .350. But if Arizona, who is already 5-1, can get Upton and Young both swinging a good bat, this offense really could be something to watch.</p>
<p><b><i>Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at </i></b><a href="http://azsnakepit.com/"><b><i>AZ Snakepit</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter </i></b><a href="http://twitter.com/sbnarizona" target="_blank"><b><i>@SBNArizona</i></b></a><b><i> </i></b><b><i>and "Like" us </i></b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sbnarizona" target="_blank"><b><i>on Facebook.</i></b></a><b><i></i></b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/4/13/2945516/chris-young-is-diamondbacks-pleasant-offensive-surprise-so-farJess Root2012-04-12T22:14:29-07:002012-04-12T22:14:29-07:00Diamondbacks Kennedy Shuts Down Padres, 3-1
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<img alt="SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 12: Ian Kennedy #31 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 12, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kUePj2nBDv_gPogUz5KCKdYTkXI=/0x13:1000x680/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6456475/142815618.jpg" />
<figcaption>SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 12: Ian Kennedy #31 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 12, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The D-backs downed the Padres 3-1 to win their second series of the season. Ian Kennedy was rock solid.</p> <p>Ian Patrick Kennedy didn't have good command in the first inning. He game up a lead off triple to <span>Cameron Maybin</span> who quickly came home on an RBI from the next batter, Will Venable. But as we've seen IPK do, he wiggled out of the jam and by the next inning was back in Cy Young form. Kennedy cruised through his next five innings and finished with five hits, one walk, one run and nine strikeouts in his six innings.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> ahead of Kennedy in the batting order, however, didn't give Ian much to work with. The offense continued to struggle with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a> pitching before finally breaking through with a run in the fifth inning off the bat of <span>Aaron Hill</span> who singled in <span>Lyle Overbay</span>.</p>
<p>The D-backs got another in the sixth thanks to a fielding error from the Friars and <span>Jason Kubel's</span> first extra-base hit of the season. Chris Young continued his hot stick work with his third homerun of the season to give the Snakes an unneeded insurance run in the eight.</p>
<p>The bullpen was solid with three scoreless from the trio of <span>Brad Ziegler</span>, Bryan Shaw and J.J. Putz.</p>
<p>The D-backs improve to 5-1 on the season and now head to Colorado for a weekend series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/4/12/2945323/diamondbacks-kennedy-shuts-down-padres-3-1Seth Pollack2012-04-12T11:00:20-07:002012-04-12T11:00:20-07:00Kirk Gibson And Football: What Could Have Been
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<p>Wednesday morning brought a bit of a surprise on Twitter for baseball fans, especially those that are fans of the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> or of Kirk Gibson in general. You might remember that Gibson was a very good football player in college at Michigan State. You might have known that he was even drafted. This is the tweet that surprised a lot of people:</p>
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<p>34 years ago this month, Kirk Gibson ran a 4.28 40 for NFL scouts. Was set to be drafted 1st overall in '79. Then he went out for baseball.</p>
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lynn_Henning/status/190116985290498048" data-datetime="2012-04-11T16:39:56+00:00">April 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Now I know hat Gibby was really fast and I know he was a solid receiver, but this was the first time I ever heard he would have been drafted first overall.</p>
<p>Now, what really happened was that he was drafted in the NFL -- by the then <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a>, who took him in the seventh round.</p>
<p>Now, let us pretend that he didn't choose baseball. What would have happened?</p>
<p>It is possible that he would have ended up in Arizona earlier, being that the Cards moved from Missouri to Sun Devil Stadium in 1988.</p>
<p>Knowing his injury history in baseball, he would have been out of the league earlier. The physical toll of football would likely have ended his career much too early. He probably would have had a few highlights, but probably not the long-lasting impact he had in baseball.</p>
<p>Had he stuck with football, the some iconic moments disappear. He does not turn the 1988 <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> in to wolrd champions and Orel Hershiser's magical season is just an individual performance.</p>
<p>He never hits that homerun in the 1988 World Series off of Dennis Eckersley. Likewise, his homer in the 1984 Series off Rich Gossage disappears.</p>
<p>He doesn't win a controversial 1988 MVP award.</p>
<p>More importantly, he never becomes a baseball coach and eventual manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. .If he never does that, then he never turns the team around from last place to first place in 2011. And the team would not have started 4-0 without him.</p>
<p>In the end? I think we all are glad that he picked baseball and not football.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/4/12/2943061/kirk-gibson-and-football-what-could-have-beenJess Root