It didn't take long for the Arizona Diamondbacks to rebound from defeat. After suffering through three humiliating losses to the Chicago Cubs this past weekend, the D-backs bounced back with a strong 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday evening.
While its been said that Arizona can't hang with big teams this season, the Snakes helped disprove that notion by taking it to the Reds, who sport a winning record and currently lead the National League Central, starting in the first inning. As a result, the D-backs ended their losing snap while demolishing Cincinnati's six-game winning streak in the process.
Cincinnati's Bronson Arroyo (4-6, 4.03 ERA) was roughed up from the first batter onward with a stream of singles from Stephen Drew, Willie Bloomquist, and Aaron Hill that loaded the bases. Miguel Montero then provided the highlight of the game by whacking Arroyo's 86-mph slider all the way to the warning track in left field, clearing the bags and scoring three runs.
Montero then topped himself by leading off the third inning with a homer to the right field seats at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. The 359-foot jack allowed the D-backs to counteract three runs scored by the Reds in the first two frames and extend their lead to 5-3. Needless to say, Arroyo left the game shortly thereafter and likely headed for a nearby tattoo shop to get "Migsy's Bitch" inked on his forehead.
Justin Upton also helped prove his worth to the Diamondbacks in light of the rampant trade rumors by providing an RBI single in the first inning.
With plenty of support by his teammates, Arizona's Wade Miley (10-5, 3.13) to notch his 10th win of the season. He scattered eight hits over 5.2 innings, earned three runs, and struck out six.
The second episode of Arizona's three-game series with the Reds takes place this afternoon when newbie Trevor Bauer (1-1, 5.40) goes for his second win. He'll have his work cut out for him as Cincinnati sends the remarkable Johnny Cueto (10-5, 2.39) to the mound. First pitch is at 4:10 p.m. TV: Fox Sports Arizona. Radio: KTAR 620-AM. More info: www.dbacks.com.
