Tough night all in all for D-backs in loss to Rockies

Well, up to this point, newcomer Jon Rauch has been automatic for the D-backs out of the pen in the eighth. All good things must come to and end, as Rauch served up a two-run homer to break a 4-4 tie, and put the Rockies up for good as they take it 6-5.

The D-backs got behind the 8 ball early, as Doug Davis once again found himself struuugggeeelllling out of the gate. A few runs in the first and second, and the hole had been dug. Davis did manage to settle down in the next few innings, which was good to see.

Gotta hand it to the guys for mounting a very nice comeback. Even in the ninth inning, down, 6-4, they made a valient effort to push across some runs. And how classic was it to have the bases juiced, two outs, and a full count to Adam Dunn in the top of the ninth. The guy has a great eye, so a walk there is very possible, and of course a strikeout is just as likely. But, Dunn made contact and grounded out weakly to the shortstop to end it. He was not happy afterward:

"They positioned it right," Dunn said. "That's why I was brought over here and to not get the job done, that's very frustrating for me. That's disappointing because this team fights and it's fun to be a part of and it just stinks that we were in that situation and I couldn't come through."

No prob Adam - you'll have plenty of more opportunity in the next six weeks. It was also good to see that Chad Tracy is still playing in job-saving mode since the Dunn acquisition. He hit his second bomb in as many nights. He's doing the best he can to save himself from being a role player, and it may be difficult for Bo Mel to do that.

With Danny Haren going in an early game today, redemption is only a few hours away. But....with Manny and the Dodgers winning last night, the D-backs and and Dodgers are now knotted atop the NL West. I see this as a must win today for the D-backs.