D-backs overpower Padres to win series

I still can't believe what I saw tonight in the first inning of the D-backs/Padres game. I mean, this is Dan Haren vs. Jake Peavy. I was banking on a barely two-hour game with these guys throwing up zero after zero. Well, somebody forgot to tell Haren and Peavy that they were...well...Haren and Peavy. But, in the end, the D-backs prevailed once again to win it 8-6 and in doing so win their third consecutive series.

Both guys got lit up in the first inning. Haren inexplicably gave up a four spot, including a two-run homer to Kevin Kouzmanoff. But, as I mentioned after yesterday's game, Arizona has been absolute money in delivering multiple runs in the first inning. Adam Dunn made sure that was the case again tonight as he launched a missle to right-field to inch the D-backs within a run.

Also, as in last night's game, the D-backs were very efficient in their hits to runs ratio. Very similar box scores from last night and tonight. Last night it was seven runs on seven hits with 10 walks. Tonight it was eight runs on six hits and eight walks. By contrast the Padres actually had 12 hits tonight.....but zero walks. The Diamondbacks seem to clearly be getting more bases on balls since Dunn has arrived. It's a bit contagious it seems. Dunn had two more walks tonight to go with this laser beam dinger. He really is making things happen....and I like it.

Very interesting to see big Jon Rauch enter the game as the closer. You got the feeling it was in reaction to Brandon Lyon's recent struggles, but Bob Melvin semi squashed that during the post-game presser when he said Lyon would be closing tomorrow. However, the way he pulled the cord on Lyon yesterday in the ninth, I would not be surprised at all if Rauch ends up the full-time closer by the end of the season. Having said that though, Rauch hasn't exactly been tearing it up either. He's given up at least a run in three of his last four appearances. So.....

I see Nick Piecoro is reporting that there has been a sighting of Mark Reynolds taking second base infield practice. I still think it make more sense to put Dunn at first and basically leave everyone else where they are now. I just don't see a major defensive merry-go-round as something that would be a positive as they enter the pennant stretch here.

And just as good as the D-backs winning tonight....the Dodgers losing 4-3 to the Rockies. Yes. D-backs take a two-game lead. Arizona and Brandon Webb go for the series sweep tomorrow. Come on fans....get your butts in seats out there.