Diamondbacks Sweep Short Series with Rangers
By Cody Fincher
The Arizona Diamondbacks completed the two-game sweep of the Texas Rangers and in doing so, have reached the .500 mark. That’s something they have not been able to do in a while. The D-Backs were in a stretch where they were 0-13 in games that would have put them back at .500. Their record now sits at 42-42.
Jul 7, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
In game one on Tuesday, the D-Backs were able to get to Yovani Gallardo, who had been dominating. Gallardo gave up three runs on eight hits while walking five in 5 2/3 innings. This was Gallardo’s first loss since May 19.
Arizona was able to take this game behind a fantastic outing by Robbie Ray. Ray gave up only two runs, none of which were earned, on four hits and struck out four in 7 2/3 innings. Ray continues to be a solid starter for the D-Backs as he picked up his third win of the season and lowered his ERA to 2.16.
The D-Backs were led offensively in this one by Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb. Goldy went 2-3 with two walks and an RBI. Lamb broke out in this one, going 3-4 with a walk and two RBI. The D-Backs got the victory against the Rangers 4-2.
Jul 8, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock (11) hits a three run home run during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
In game two of the series Wednesday night, the D-Backs’ offense really broke out as they scored five runs in the second inning, which gave them the early lead.
It started with a couple RBI singles by Cliff Pennington and Nick Ahmed, but the big blow was a 3-run home run by AJ Pollock. That home run by Pollock was his 11th of the season.
The D-Backs were able to extend their lead after Wellington Castillo hit a two-run home run in the top of the fifth inning. That homer was Castillo’s seventh home run of the year. Castillo has been playing so well since being brought over in the Mark Trumbo trade with the Seattle Mariners.
For Texas, Matt Harrison was making his first appearance in a major league game in over a year after having spinal fusion surgery and making the long journey back. His return did not go as planned, however, as he gave up six runs on six hits in only four innings.
D-Backs starter Jeremy Hellickson had his night cut short due to a blister on his right thumb. Before exiting, Hellickson had given up two runs on six hits in only four innings. The bullpen was able to preserve the lead, as a combination of Andrew Chafin, Randall Delgado, Oliver Perez, and Brad Ziegler only gave up two runs the rest of the way. Brad Ziegler was able to secure his 13th and 14th saves in this series. 14 saves is his career high.
This win also pushed the D-Backs into a tie for second place in the NL West with the San Francisco Giants.
The D-Backs have on off-day on Thursday and then travel to Citi Field in New York to take on the Mets in a three-game series, their last series before the All-Star Break.