Postgame Recap (7/18/17) – D-backs 11, Reds 2: Diamondbacks Power to Big Win Just in Time
With news of the Diamondbacks big trade for J.D. Martinez coming in just minutes before the start of tonight’s game, I’d speculated that the move was bound to provide motivation to a clubhouse that may have been a little down lately. Sure enough, the D-backs came out swinging the lumber tonight just like we’ve seen all season, or at least right up until that recent Dodgers series.
The Diamondbacks put six runs on the board in the top of the fifth inning. Back-to-back doubles by A.J. Pollock and David Peralta led off the inning, and accounted for the first run. After Paul Goldschmidt walked, Jake Lamb ended his post-All-Star break dry streak by tripling down the right field line.
Back-to-back doubles by Brandon Drury and Daniel Descalso pushed the D-backs lead to 6-2. Chris Herrmann followed with a 2-run home run over the left field wall, just inside the foul pole. The Diamondbacks held a commanding 8-2 lead they would not relinquish.
In the top of the 7th inning, after consecutive two-out walks to Descalso and Herrmann, Ray Fuentes belted a 3-run homer. That ensured the blowout was soundly in play.
Robbie Ray was very good tonight as well. He lasted six innings and gave up a home run in the bottom of the 1st inning. He also surrendered a walk and a pair of doubles in the 4th inning for his second run allowed.
Overall, a solid effort by the D-backs on a night when they really needed it (box score).
Stats that matter
- Robbie Ray was solid in his first outing since June 3 – 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 Ks, HR
- 9: That’s the number of D-backs extra base hits tonight; 6 doubles, 2 homers and a triple
- 12: The number of consecutive games that Paul Goldschmidt has safely reached base. He’s also riding a 10-game hitting streak
Bottom line
The Diamondbacks needed a boost in a big way and they got it tonight. Maybe it was the message the front office sent by acquiring J.D. Martinez or maybe it was the fact that they were playing against the worst pitching team in the league. I’m guessing it was a little of both. Either way, this was a much-needed win.
On deck
The D-backs play the Reds again tomorrow in Cincinnati at 4:10 pm. Zack Greinke will take the mound for the Diamondbacks going up against Tim Adleman.
