Although the 1-0 loss will go down as just another D-Backs defeat (their ninth straight, BTW), there were plenty of highlights for the evening sportscast: It was an extra-innings affair that was scoreless for most of the night, fueled by an outstanding pitching duel between Dan Haren (5-4, 4.83) and L.A.'s John Ely.
Plus, some heated words between Stephen Drew and Russell Martin after the Dodgers catcher slid into second base during the seventh inning resulted in both teams' benches emptying out onto the field. While there were plenty of posturing and sour looks exchanged, nary a single Arizona player unleashed a haymaker during the confrontation.
Too bad that they also failed to provide any offensive punch to break the D-Backs' losing streak.
Other than a few singles by Rusty Ryal and Conor Jackson, the Snakes were pretty silent when it came to hitting. Los Angeles, on the other hand, seemed to rain singles and doubles all over the infield at Dodgers Stadium, getting runners in scoring position at least four separate times during the game.
Thanks to efficient throwing by "Hard Luck" Haren (as well as some excellent fielding by the D-Backs), the Boys in Blue ended up going scoreless through nine innings. Even with a few Dodgers threatening from third, Danny Boy proved his ace status by finding his way out of trouble at every opportunity with a combination of fastballs and sliders. Haren tossed a total of 126 pitches and struck out seven in eight innings on the mound.
And although Aaron Heilman wasn't quite as impressive during the ninth, the Arizona reliever managed to get the job done, after forcing pop flies from El Lay's Casey Blake and James Loney before fanning Ronnie Belliard. Hey, at least he was better than Juan Gutierrez, who cost the Diamondbacks the game in the 10th when Matt Kemp blasted a 2-2 fastball into the left field bleachers for a walkoff homer.
The D-Backs (20-33) have one more outing at Chavez Ravine this afternoon before concluding this abysmal road trip. Edwin Jackson (3-6, 6.03) will go against Carlos Monasterios (2-0, 2.20). First pitch is at 12:10 p.m. TV: Fox Sports Arizona. Radio: KTAR 620-AM. More info: diamondbacks.mlb.com.
